Saint Mary's took both contests in their doubleheader Thursday at Albion, winning the first by a score of 14-6 in six innings and taking the second by a score of 6-3.
The Belles used a combination of timely hitting and smart hitting to get past their opponents.
"Senior left fielder Kristen Nelson, junior catcher Morgan Bedan and senior centerfielder Lauren Enayati all had big games for us," Belles coach Erin Sullivan said. "We did a solid job of jumping on the first good pitch and not getting behind in the count."
In the first game, the Belles scored runs in each of the first three innings. Saint Mary's led by a score of 9-2 going into the sixth inning and would go on to add five in the top of the sixth to reach their final run total of 14.
The second game was much of the same for the visitors, as Saint Mary's took a 5-0 lead after only three innings. That would be all the run support senior pitcher Angela Gillis needed, as she threw a complete game, only giving up two earned runs.
"[Gillis] threw really well and worked ahead in the count," Sullivan said. "She kept hitters off balance with her curveball in and screwball away and had them guessing all game."
Sullivan said she was pleased with her players' performance after enduring some recent struggles.
"[The wins] show that we're a better team," Sullivan said. "We have to be in the top four in our conference to make the tourney. At times, it can be a lot of pressure, but it's pressure we're capable of handling."
The Belles will look to solidify their spot at the top of the conference when they travel to Kalamazoo for a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.
Contact Nick Boyle at nboyle1@nd.edu
