Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 The Heidelberg University Softball team wrapped up competition at The Spring Games on Friday. They took on Neumann University out of the Athletic East Conference, and Mount St. Joseph out of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Game 1: Heidelberg 5, Neumann 4

Trailing for most of the game, Heidelberg delivered a thrilling late-game comeback, scoring three times in the seventh to secure the walk-off win against the Knights.

After three scoreless frames, the Berg offense came alive in the bottom of the fourth. Gabbie Stallbaum led off with a scorching double down the right-field line, immediately putting pressure on Neumann's defense. Emma Dean followed with a productive groundout to second, allowing Stallbaum to advance to third.

With one out and a runner on third, Aubrey Conklin ripped a single to right field, bringing home Stallbaum to put Heidelberg on the board and trim the deficit to 4-1. The rally continued as Caitlynn Newlen was hit by a pitch, moving Conklin to second, but the Berg would do no more damage the rest of the inning.

Still trailing 4-1, Heidelberg continued to apply pressure in the bottom of the sixth. Ellie Tressler started up the offense with a deep drive to center field, hustling into second for a leadoff double. After a flyout, Emma Dean stepped up and delivered, launching a ground-rule double that bounced over the fence, allowing Tressler to trot home and cut the Neumann lead to 4-2.

Megan Miller entered as a pinch-runner for Dean, immediately advancing to third on a groundout by Conklin. Heidelberg threatened to push another run across, but Neumann escaped the inning with a routine groundout, keeping it a two-run game heading into the seventh.

In the bottom of the seventh Sammie Trimpey, pinch-hitting to start the inning, worked a leadoff walk to put the tying run at the plate. Jade Torres followed with a single up the middle, pushing Trimpey into scoring position. Lillie Robeson was up and ripped a single to right field to load the bases with no outs. Stepping up to the plate was Leah Arnett who lifted a deep fly ball to left for a sacrifice fly, allowing Trimpey to race home and make it a 4-3 game. 

Ellie Tressler put the ball in play, and a fielding error by the shortstop allowed Torres to sprint home, sliding in safely to tie the game at 4-4.

All that was left for Gabbie Stallbaum to do was to simply hit the ball, and that's exactly what she did. A groundout to first allowed Aubrey Baker sped down the baseline and crossed home plate, completing the thrilling 5-4 walk-off victory for the Berg.
Heidelberg's pitching trio—Haley Gockstetter, Kamryn Rastigue, and Taylor Forrest—held Neumann scoreless over the final three innings, doing their part to secure the comeback.

Game 2: Mount St. Joseph 10, Heidelberg 7

Despite a strong offensive start, Heidelberg couldn't hold off a late rally from Mount St. Joseph, falling 10-7 in Winter Haven, Florida. The Berg came out swinging, scoring in each of the first three innings, including a five-run explosion in the third that put them in control early.

Leah Arnett set the tone at the top of the lineup, reaching base and wreaking havoc with her speed. She finished the game 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI, and two stolen bases while also crossing the plate once.

In the first inning, Heidelberg struck quickly as Aubrey Conklin ripped an RBI double to bring home Arnett, giving the Berg an early 1-0 lead. In the second, Caitlynn Newlen came through with a clutch single, driving in another run to extend the advantage.

The third inning saw the Berg explode for five runs, as Gabbie Stallbaum and Sammie Trimpey each chipped in with RBI singles, while Newlen delivered again with a two-run hit to further Heidelberg's lead. Conklin also came around to score in the frame, giving Heidelberg a commanding 7-3 lead heading into the middle innings.

For Mount St. Joseph, a three-run fifth inning cut into the lead, and a four-run surge in the sixth completed the comeback, putting the Berg behind for the first time all game. 

Despite the loss, Heidelberg's offense remained productive, racking up 10 hits and staying aggressive on the base paths. Arnett's three-hit performance led the way, while Newlen's two-RBI effort highlighted a strong team approach at the plate.

Heidelberg concluded their trip to Florida with a 5-3 record. With the season in full swing, The Berg will return to action at Bluffton on Wednesday, March 12. Game one will be at 3:30 p.m., followed by game two, slated for a 5:30 p.m. start.