2006 Highlights
Blazer Pitchers Named to All-MIAC Softball Team
May 15, 2006 - Junior Pitchers Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) and Monica Eiden (Maple Grove, Minn. / Totino
Grace H.S.) represent Saint Ben's on the 2006 All-MIAC Softball team. Gardner and Eiden both had productive seasons on the mound for the Blazers. Gardner, now a two-time All-MIAC selection, ended the season with a 4-12 pitching record and batted .265 with 30 hits and 22 runs batted in. Eiden was 10-6 with a 2.52 ERA. Senior captain Cassie Schlangen (Freeport, Minn. / Melrose H.S.) was named as a All-MIAC honorable mention. All-MIAC Softball Release
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Tody Named to All-MIAC Softball Tournament Team
May 8, 2006 - Sophomore Jenna Tody (Woodbury, Minn. / Woodbury H.S.) was named to the 2006 All-MIAC Softball Tournament Team. Tody was the only representative from CSB on the team that included five athletes from St. Thomas and three athletes each from Gustavus and Saint Mary's. Tody's highlight from the tournament was connecting for a double during the Blazers game with Saint Mary's. Other season highlights for Tody include collecting 21 hits, two home runs and 13 runs batted in. MIAC Softball Tournament Team Release
Blazers End Tournament With A Loss to Saint Mary's
May 5, 2006 - Round two of the MIAC Softball Tournament would bring no victory for the Saint Ben's softball team (12-10 MIAC, 15-21 overall). CSB was shutout 7-0 in their loss to Saint Mary's (19-3 MIAC, 25-14-1 overall). With the loss the Blazers were eliminated from the MIAC Softball Tournament and concluded their 2006 season. Saint Ben's was held to two hits on offense. Both hits were for doubles and were off the bats of junior Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) and sophomore Jenna Tody (Woodbury, Minn. / Woodbury H.S.). Junior pitcher Monica Eiden (Maple Grove, Minn. / Totino Grace H.S.) yielded seven runs off of eight hits in five innings pitched. After a one year absence from the tournament in 2005, the Blazers returned this spring after opening the year with a 0-9 record. The Blazers plan on making it back next season. CSB will say farewell to their three senior captains: Jenny Monroe (Carver, Minn. / Chaska H.S.), Cassie Schlangen (Freeport, Minn. / Melrose H.S.), and Kristin Beranek (New Ulm, Minn. / New Ulm Cathedral H.S.). Box Score | MIAC Softball | MIAC Softball Tournament Site
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
CSB Softball Lose MIAC Tournament Opener to St. Thomas
May 5, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball team (12-10 MIAC, 15-20 overall) lost their opening round game to the 2006 MIAC regular season champions St. Thomas this afternoon in Northfield, Minn. St. Thomas was led by the sophomore pitcher Maria Bye who struck out 11 batters in a two-hit complete game shutout victory. Sophomore Patty Devoy (Mendota Heights, Minn. / Visitation H.S.) and junior Jinnie Regli (Lakeville, Minn. / Lakeville H.S.) connected for the Blazer's two hits. Junior pitcher Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) pitched a complete game allowing four runs off of seven hits. Gardner struck out five batters bringing her season total to 85. The potent St. Thomas offense was the difference in the game. The Tommies connected for three homeruns bringing their team total to 57 this season, a Div. III softball record. The Blazers play Saint Mary's University at 5 p.m. this afternoon in the second round of tournament play at Carleton College. Box Score | MIAC Softball | MIAC Softball Tournament Site
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Blazers Clinch Playoff Spot
May 4, 2006 - The Blazer softball team (12-10 MIAC, 15-19 overall) clinched the fourth and final playoff spot of the MIAC softball tournament. Saint Ben's was awarded the playoff vacancy this evening after St. Olaf and Augsburg College split their season series. St. Olaf won the first game 9-1, but lost the nightcap 4-2. CSB will play No. 1 seeded defending Div. III National Champions St. Thomas at 3 p.m. tomorrow May 5 in the opening round of the tournament action. The 2006 MIAC softball tournament is being hosted by St. Olaf College. MIAC Softball Tournament
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Saint Ben's Playoff Hopes To Be Determined in St. Olaf and Augsburg Series
May 3, 2006 - The Blazer softball team (12-10 MIAC, 15-19 overall) ended their regular season schedule by getting swept by Gustavus, which put CSB in a tie for fourth place in the conference with St. Catherine College (12-10 MIAC, 21-18 overall). The final playoff vacancy for the 2006 MIAC softball tournament will be determined tomorrow with the results of the St. Olaf-Augsburg series. The series is scheduled for 4 p.m. If Augsburg sweeps or splits the series with St. Olaf, CSB will be awarded the playoff spot. If St. Olaf sweeps Augsburg, St. Catherine will be in the playoffs. MIAC Softball
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Gusties Sweep Blazers, Playoff Spot Pending Tie-breaker
May 2, 2006 - The Blazers needed to split their series with Gustavus and have St. Thomas sweep St. Catherine in order to clinch the fourth and final spot in the MIAC playoffs. That is not how events would transpire in the Blazer's series with the Gusties this afternoon. Gustavus (19-3 MIAC, 27-7 overall) swept Saint Ben's (12-10 MIAC, 15-19 overall) by scores of 4-0 and 5-2. In the first game the Blazers were held to one hit while senior Gustavus pitcher Joyce Dewitz struck out four in the complete game shut-out victory. The Gusties jumped out to a lead from the first at-bat when sophomore Julie Mahre hit a lead-off home run to open the game. Mahre would hit another home run in the fifth frame of action to provide Gustavus with insurance runs. The night cap was a close game, which the Blazers battled to the end. Gustavus would get in the lead early scoring a run in the second inning. Sophomore Patty Devoy (Mendota Heights, Minn. / Visitation H.S.) would answer with a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Junior pitcher Christina Gardner (Arvada Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) would allow four runs to score in the top of sixth inning, which put the Blazer offense in a tight spot. Sophomore Jenna Tody (Woodbury, Minn. / Woodbury H.S.) connected for a home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to start a Blazer rally that would fall short in the end. The Blazers playoff hopes are still being determined in a tie breaker procedure that will be determined tomorrow. Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Tom Mix, Sports Information Assistant
Gustavus Series Pushed Back
May 1, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball home game with Gustavus Adolphus scheduled for today at 4 p.m. has been postponed. The series has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 2 at 4 p.m.
Blazers Get Swept By Tommies, Playoff Hopes Remain Intact
April 30, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball team (12-8 MIAC, 15-17 overall) were swept by St. Thomas in their season series by scores of 10-1 and 5-0. St. Thomas (19-1 MIAC, 36-2 overall) displayed strong hitting and pitching during the series, which was postponed from April 20. The Blazers were unable to match the performance of the defending Division III national champions who hit a total of six home runs in the series. In game one of the series the Tommies held CSB to three hits and one run in five innings. The Blazer offense was held to two hits in the night cap and were shut-out by senior All-American pitcher Janet Nagle who tied a career high in strike-outs with 16 and also connected for two home runs on the day. The Blazers are scheduled to finish their MIAC schedule with a home series against Gustavus tomorrow. The series with Gustavus will be crucial because it will determine whether or not the Blazers will receive the fourth spot in the MIAC playoffs. CSB must win one of its games with Gustavus and will need St. Thomas to sweep St. Catherine to secure a spot in the playoffs. If CSB and St. Catherine end in a tie the Augsburg series with St. Olaf will play a role in determining who will go to the post-season. If Augsburg sweeps or splits its series with St. Olaf Saint Ben's will secure the playoff spot. If St. Olaf sweeps Augsburg St. Catherine would receive the fourth and final playoff vacancy. Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Gustavus Game Postponed
April 29, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball home game with Gustavus Adolphus scheduled for today at 1 p.m. has been postponed. The series has been rescheduled for Monday, May 1 at 4 p.m.
CSB Splits With St. Catherine, Remain Fourth In MIAC
April 26, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball team (12-6 MIAC, 15-15 overall) split their season series with St. Catherine (12-8 MIAC, 21-16 overall). The first game was claimed by the Blazers 5-3 in extra innings. CSB was led by the pitching of junior Monica Eiden (Maple Grove, Minn. / Totino Grace H.S.) who pitched all nine innings of action giving up three runs off of eight hits while striking out five batters. Eiden's record would improve to 10-3 on the season with the win. Senior Cassie Schlangen (Freeport, Minn. / Melrose H.S.), Christina Gardner (Arvada Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) and sophomore Jenna Tody (Woodbury, Minn. / Woodbury H.S.) each collect two hits a piece in the crucial victory. In the night cap the Blazer offense would be halted as CSB was only able to collect five total hits in the 8-1 loss. Gardner would pick up the loss after a tough outing where she would give up eight runs off of 12 hits. Saint Ben's is still in fourth place in the MIAC after the split. The Blazers are in action 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29 when they host Gustavus. Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Blazers Sweep Oles With Their Bats
April 25, 2006 - All season the Blazer softball team (11-5 MIAC, 14-14 overall) has been looking to put together a strong, commanding offensive performance and that is exactly what they put together in their season series with St. Olaf College. The Blazers, who were coming off a series split with Augsburg, needed to have a strong series with the Oles to sustain their fourth place spot in the MIAC standings. In the first game CSB put up six runs in both the first and third innings. St. Olaf was only able to put together two runs in the game in part due to junior pitcher Monica Eiden (Maple Grove, Minn. / Totino Grace H.S.) who shut-down the Ole batters allowing only one hit, no walks and striking out six batters in three innings of work. Sophomore infielder, Jenna Tody (Woodbury, Minn. / Woodbury H.S.) ignited the Blazer offense with a three-run home run in the first frame of action. In the nightcap, Saint Ben's was equally as dominant scoring 14 total runs off of 16 hits. Eiden would collect another victory improving her season record to 9-3. Seniors Cassie Schlangen (Freeport, Minn. / Melrose H.S.) and Jenny Monroe (Carver, Minn. / Chaska H.S.) each had two doubles that contributed to the larger Blazer offensive production. CSB will travel to St. Catherine tomorrow and play another crucial MIAC series. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
St. Olaf Series Postponed to Tomorrow
April 24, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball home game with St. Olaf scheduled for today at 4 p.m. has been postponed. The series has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 25 at 4 p.m.
Gardner Shines In Auggies Series
April 22, 2006 - Junior pitcher Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) may have had the greatest day of her career as a Blazer softball player on a day in which she lost on the mound. Gardner, who pitched the first game of Saint Ben's series with Augsburg College, lost the decision by yielding the games only runs in the top of the fourth inning. The Blazers (9-5 MIAC, 12-14 overall) were shut out by Augsburg's senior pitcher Shelly Harris, who gave up three hits and struck out three batters. The Auggies scored two runs in the fourth frame of action and that was all they needed to claim the first game of the series. Full Story | Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Christina Gardner Named Blazer Athlete of the Week
April 18, 2006 - Junior pitcher Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo./Holy Family HS) has been named Blazer Athlete of the Week for her stellar performance against Carleton over the weekend. In a rush to get back to Minnesota after Easter Break with her family the native Coloradan pitched a complete game shut-out, striking out eight batters. Gardner improved her record to 4-7. In the second game Gardner let her bat do the work. She went 2-for-3 with three RBI's, two of which were the games first two runs. The Blazers completed the sweep of Carleton with an 8-0 win.
Patrick Hooper, Sports Information Student Assistant
Saint Ben's Rebounds With Series Sweep Against the Knights
April 17, 2006 - The Blazer softball team (8-4 MIAC, 9-11 overall) needed to have a big series with Carleton. CSB would take that fact into Monday's games and put it to practice by shuting-out the Knights in both games of the series. The first game was a very close game in which both teams combined for eight hits. The Blazers made the best of their three hits as a team when they scored the games only run in the top of the second inning. Sophomore infielder Jenna Tody (Woodbury, Minn. / Woodbury H.S.) batted in the eventual game winner with a double. Tody's double was the only extra-base hit of the game. Junior pitcher Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) had a solid outing going all seven innings for the complete game shut-out. Gardner (4-7) struck out eight batters, gave up five hits and walked three. The second game was claimed by the Blazers by a score of 8-0 in five innings. Junior pitcher Monica Eiden (Maple Grove, Minn. / Totino Grace H.S.) pitched all five innings giving up only two hits and struck out six batters in a winning effort that improves her record to 6-3. Gardner, who played first base in the nightcap was 2-for-3 at the plate with three runs batted in. Sophomore Patty Devoy (Mendota Heights, Minn. / Visitation H.S.) and senior Jenny Monroe (Shakopee, Minn. / Chaska H.S.) both had strong performances at the plate going 2-for-3. Saint Ben's travels to play St. Thomas on Thursday, April 20th. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Blazers Lose Two Close Games with Saint Mary's
April 13, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball team (6-4 MIAC, 9-13 overall) were swept in thier season series with Saint Mary's University (10-2 MIAC, 14-10 overall). The first game, which the Cardinals claimed 5-2 was a game in which the Blazers never got in a groove on offense. Junior pitcher Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) gave up eight hits in seven innings on the mound. Gardner would also go 2-for-2 at the plate with double and an RBI. Junior outfielder Jinnie Regli (Lakeville, Minn. / Lakeville H.S.) was 2-for-3 at the plate in the first game as well. The nightcap featured junior pitcher Monica Eiden (Maple Grove, Minn. / Totino Grace H.S.) who had won her previous five decisions. The game would go to extra frames after both teams could not break a 1-1 tie. In the tenth inning Saint Mary's brought in two runs that eventually became the winning runs after the Blazers failed to score in the bottom half of the inning. Eiden pitched all ten innings for the Blazers giving up 12 hits, no walks and striking out six batters. Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Saint Ben's Sweeps Macalester and Move Up in Standings
April 12, 2006 - The Blazer softball team (6-2 MIAC, 9-11 overall) defeated Macalester by scores of 5-3 and 7-1 to sweep the series and move into fourth place in the MIAC softball standings. In the first game Saint Ben's was led by the pitching of Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) who yielded only three hits and struck out seven in five and two-thirds innings. Gardner also sparked the Blazer offense going 2-for-4 at the plate with a double. Sophomore infielder Nikki Holmes (Eagan, Minn. / Eagan H.S.) also went 2-for-4 at the plate for CSB with a double and a run scored. Saint Ben's would claim the nightcap of the series as a result of junior pitcher Monica Eiden (Maple Grove, Minn. / Totino Grace H.S.) continuing her success on the mound. Eiden gave up four hits, stuck out nine batters, and walked one in a complete game of work. The Blazers play host to Saint Mary's tomorrow at 2 p.m. in a game that was postponed from Tuesday. Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Patty Devoy Named Blazer Athlete of the Week
April 11, 2006- Sophomore infielder Patty Devoy (Mendota Heights, Minn./Visitation HS) has been named Blazer Athlete of the Week for her performance against the Hamline Pipers. With one momentum seizing swing of the bat, Devoy put the game away for her Blazers. In a pinch hit substitution Devoy came in with the bases loaded but fell behind in the count 0-2. The next pitch Devoy rocketed out to straight center for a Grand Slam. The one swing gave the Blazers a 6-1 lead which held up as the final score. The momentum carried over into the second game where the Blazers beat Hamline 5-4. Devoy went 0 for 2 in that game but had her power respected as she drew a walk.
Patrick Hooper, Sports Information Student Assistant
Blazers Sweep Hamline In Dramatic Fashion
April 8, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball team (4-2 MIAC, 7-11 overall) swept their season series with Hamline University (2-6 MIAC, 8-8 overall). The first game started off in the Blazer's favor after senior outfielder Kristin Beranek (New Ulm, Minn. / New Ulm Cathedral H.S.) scored in the bottom half od the first inning of a sacrafice fly by sophomore infielder Nicki Holmes (Eagan, Minn. / Eagan H.S.). The Pipers would answer back with a run of their own in the top of the second inning. The Blazers broke the 1-1 tie in the bottom of the third when Beranek scored once more on a Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) sacrafice fly. Saint Ben's manufactured their first two runs in text book fashion and would never loose the lead from that point. Full Story | Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Blazers Prepare for MIAC Showdown with Hamline
April 7, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball team (2-2 MIAC, 5-11 overall) will be playing their season series with the Hamline University Pipers (2-4 MIAC, 8-6 overall) on Saturday, April 8 at CSB. The first game will start a 1 p.m. Blazer Softball Game Day Notes
Saint Ben's Rallies to Defeat Cobbers 5-2 After Being No-Hit In the First Game
April 6, 2006 - The Blazer softball team (2-2 MIAC, 5-11 overall) split their season series with Concordia Moorhead (2-2 MIAC, 8-8 overall) this afternoon. Saint Ben's lost the first game 1-0. Senior Cobber pitcher Lindy Sparby threw her first collegiate no-hitter and improved her season record to 5-3. Sparby was one hit batter away from hurling a perfect game. Junior pitcher Christina Gardner (Arvada, Colo. / Holy Family H.S.) matched Sparby pitch for pitch, but allowed an unearned run to cross the plate giving the Cobbers the advantage. Gardner only gave up two hits in the game and struck-out seven batters. The Cobber's success of the first game would not carry over into the second contest, which Saint Ben's won 5-2. Senior Infielder Jenny Monroe (Shakopee, Minn. / Chaska H.S.) was 2-for-3 at the plate in the second game with two runs scored and an RBI. First-year Genna Strauss (Red Wing, Minn. / Red Wing H.S.) also was 2-for-3 in the second game with two runs scored. Junior pitcher Monica Eiden (Maple Grove Minn. / Totino-Grace H.S.) improved her season record to 3-2 while picking up the victory in which she only yielded two runs and struck-out seven batters. Results
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Blazers Split Season Series With Bethel
April 1, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball team (4-10 overall, 1-1 MIAC) split their doubleheader with Bethel University (6-6 overall, 1-1 MIAC) today to begin their MIAC schedule of the 2006 season. Both games were very close and matched two teams with excellent pitching and strong defensive abilities. In the first game, the Blazers failed to capitalize on several offensive opportunities, but were also able to hold the Bethel batters to minimal offensive production. Full Story | Game 1 Stats | Game 2 Stats
Blazer Softball Ends Florida Trip With Success
March 5, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball team (0-0 MIAC, 3-9 Overall) ended its final two days at the Gene Cussic Classic with a record of 3-1. Friday the Blazers split their two games with a 4-3 loss in the first game to Rose Hulman. CSB would get their first victory of the 2006 season by defeating Dubuque 7-2 later in the afternoon. First-year pitcher Andrea Fahey (Little Canada, Minn. / Saint Bernard's H.S.) would pick up the victory giving up only one run and four hits over 4 and 1/3 innings. Scoring runs early in the game proved to be just what the Blazers needed in order to get in the winning column. Junior infielder Brittney Johnson (St. Cloud, Minn. / St. Cloud Tech H.S) produced a two-run single in the second inning giving Saint Ben's the early lead, which they never gave up. Full Story
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
CSB Drops Two to Loras in Doubleheader
March 3, 2006 - The Blazer softball team (0-0 MIAC, 0-8 Overall) has had a tough week in Fort Myers, Fla. losing its opening eight games of the season. Saint Ben's lost both games of their double header with Loras College yesterday by scores of 11-7 and 7-4. Sophomore Nikki Zappa (Elk River, Minn. / Elk River H.S.) went 1-for-4 with three runs scored in the first game. In the second game, sophomore Jenna Tody (Woodbury, Minn. / Woodbury H.S.) batted 2-for-3 with two RBI's. CSB is in action again today with games against Rose Hulman (Ind.) at 9 a.m. and Dubuque (Iowa) at 11 a.m.
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Blazer Softball Looking to Get Back on Track
February 28, 2006 - The Saint Ben's softball team (0-0 MIAC, 0-6 Overall) lost both their games today at the Gene Cussic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. In the first game against Augustana (Ill.), the Blazers were leading 2-1 after three frames of action. In the bottom of the fourth inning Augustana scored two runs and went onto play stong defense the rest of the game to shut down the Saint Ben's offensive production. Junior infielder Brittney Johnson (St. Cloud, Minn. / St. Cloud Tech H.S.) was 2-for-3 with a run scored in the Augustana game. CSB would then go on to lose another game to nationally ranked Alma College by the score of 13-3. The Blazers have an off-day tomorrow and will play Loras College at 9 and 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 2.
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Softball Suffers Another Series of Tough games in Florida
February 27, 2006 - Saint Ben's Softball endured another day of tough games in Fort Myers, Fla. CSB was defeated by Alma College 8-0 in the first game of the day and followed up with another loss to Loras College by the score of 7-3. The Blazers plan on getting back on track tomorrow with games against Augustana College at 9 a.m. and Alma College at 11 a.m.
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Blazer Softball Opens Fort Myers Trip with Two Tough Loses
February 26, 2006 - The Blazer softball team (0-0 MIAC, 0-2 Overall) began its 2006 campaign with two tough loses today. Saint Ben's lost their first of two games Sunday by the score of 1-0 to Alma College. CSB nearly scored the tying run in the bottom of the seventh inning, but where thwarted in their attempt. In the second game of the day, the Blazers played Loras College, which proved to be another evenly matched game until the seventh inning. Both teams battled to a 3-3 tie heading in to the last frame of action. Loras spotted seven unearned runs in the top half of the inning to give them the 10-3 advantage over Saint Ben's. The Blazers are in action tomorrow with two more games against Alma College at 9 a.m. and Loras College at 1 p.m.
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Blazer Softball Prepares for a Strong 2006
February 6, 2006 - The CSB Softball team started indoor practices today in preparation of their 2006 season. Saint Ben's finished the 2005 campaign with a 20-13 overall record and finished fifth in the MIAC with a record of 12-10. Pitching and defense will be the strengths for the Blazers this season. Saint Ben's roster is full of experienced athletes as well as young talent. All-MIAC junior pitcher Christina Gardner (Arvada Colo. / Holy Family H.S.), who had a 3.43 ERA and 41 K's in 2005, will be leading the Blazer pitching staff that is deep with talent. Captains for CSB this spring include seniors Cassie Schlangen (Freeport, Minn. / Melrose H.S.), Kristen Beranek (New Ulm, Minn. / New Ulm Cathedral H.S.), and Jenny Monroe (Shakopee, Minn. / Chaska H.S.). Saint Ben's is coached by Denny Johnson who begins his 20th year of coaching the Blazer softball team. The Blazers begin their 2006 season at the Gene Cussic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. from Feb. 26 through March 3.
Tom Mix, Sports Information Student Assistant
Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
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