As the wind switched directions and cooled the air inside the Asher Sports Complex on Friday afternoon, the bats for Benedictine Softball took a little time to warm up in their sweep over Culver-Stockton College.

The Wildcats held the Ravens in check through the three innings of the opener before Benedictine came to life scoring five unanswered to take game one 5-1 and then game two, 10-3.

In the opener, Natalie Sheffield broke the Ravens scoreless drought with a three-run home run in the fourth inning. Clare Heitz connected on a two-run home run in the fifth to seal the win for the Ravens.

Kera Willougby earned the win inside the circle for the Ravens. She gave up one run off two hits over 4 innings. Lacey Foster finished off the final three innings, giving up one hit with three strikeouts to earn the save.

In game two, the Ravens started off the same right where they finished the opener, jumping out to a three-run lead in the first inning off a double from Heitz that scored two and then a single from Sheffield. Culver-Stockton tied the game with three runs in the fifth before Benedictine rallied. Abby Pressgrove got the rally started with a bunt single that scored Ryan Cooper before Heitz broke open the inning with a three-run home run. Benedictine added three more runs in the sixth inning to cap off the sweep.

The offensive support was plenty for Bailey Selvage. She threw a complete game, giving up three runs off seven hits with eight strikeouts. 

The Ravens remain at home on Saturday, hosting their second Heart doubleheader of the season at 1 p.m. with William Penn University. Be sure to get there early, as the Ravens will recognize long-time professor, former head coach, and softball alum Mary Flynn before the game with a special ceremony and ceremonial first pitch. 

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