RIVER FOREST, Ill. – Dominican University's softball program kicked off its 2022 season with a doubleheader sweep of Augustana College and Knox College in non-conference action on Thursday night at the Peoria Dome, as part of the Louisville Slugger Collegiate Series.
 
Augustana
In a back-and-forth contest to begin its season, DU and Augie traded leads four times in the first seven innings, but were tied at 6-all after seven. In extra innings, after a scoreless eight, Augustana took a 7-6 lead in the top of the ninth, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Theresa Wilsterman singled home Makayla Barnes to tie the score at 7-7 to begin the ninth. A short time later, DU loaded the bases and Delaney McRiley put a charge into a pitch, sending it over the fence for a walk-off grand slam, securing the 11-7 win for the Stars.
Barnes was 2-for-4 with three runs scored, adding a walk. McRiley had an outstanding game the dish, going 3-for-5 with four RBI and one run scored. Zoe Deering also added two RBI. Allyson Dilday (1-0) pitched a complete game, striking out 11, surrendering four earned, to get her first victory of the season.
 
Knox
Dominican used its momentum from the exciting walk-off win, dominating Knox 10-0, with a run-rule called after five complete innings. Emma Woodhouse (1-0) scattered three hits and struck out two to earn the win.
Offensively, Geneva Pollman was 3-for-4 with three RBI and three runs scored. Barnes collected another hit and tacked on two RBI. Wilsterman also had two RBI while McRiley batted in one, her fifth of the evening. Kailey Kirkwood went 2-for-2 to assist the DU offense, which totaled 13 hits.
 
The Stars turn their attention to their upcoming trip to Florida, of which games will begin on Saturday, March 5.