COUNCIL BLUFF, IOWA. – The Creighton Bluejays softball team faced a tough doubleheader against the Seattle Redhawks on Friday, March 21, at the Iowa Western Community College Softball Complex. Originally scheduled to be played at Creighton’s home field, the games were moved due to unfavorable field conditions following heavy snowfall earlier in the week. Despite a strong start in both contests, the Bluejays were unable to come away with a victory, falling in extra innings in Game 1, 7-5, and coming up just short in Game 2, 6-5.
Game 1 started off with a surge of momentum for Creighton. The Bluejays wasted no time asserting themselves, exploding for five runs in the first inning. Timely hitting and aggressive baserunning put immediate pressure on Seattle’s defense, giving Creighton a comfortable early lead. Pitcher Kailey Wilson delivered a solid start in the circle, keeping the Redhawks off balance through the first few innings.
However, Seattle proved resilient, gradually chipping away at the Bluejays’ lead. The Redhawks scored single runs in the third and fourth innings before tying the game with a three-run outburst in the top of the seventh. Creighton had opportunities to secure the win in the bottom half of the inning but was unable to capitalize, sending the game to extra innings.
Seattle took advantage in the ninth, plating two runs to claim their first lead of the game. The Bluejays battled in the bottom of the inning but were unable to mount a final comeback, dropping a heartbreaking 7-5 decision.
Despite the loss, Creighton showed plenty of positives in Game 1, particularly on offense. The five-run first inning was a testament to the Bluejays’ ability to generate early runs, and multiple players contributed key hits throughout the game. Defensively, Creighton limited Seattle’s offensive damage for much of the contest but struggled to contain the Redhawks’ late-game rally.
Looking to bounce back in Game 2, the Bluejays once again put themselves in position to come away with a victory. Creighton and Seattle traded runs early, with the Bluejays maintaining a one-run advantage through the middle innings. Solid pitching and defensive execution kept Creighton in control, but the Redhawks refused to back down.
Seattle’s offense came alive late once again, taking the lead in the sixth inning on a clutch two-run hit. Creighton responded in the bottom half of the inning, tying the game at 5-5, setting up a dramatic final frame.
In the top of the seventh, the Redhawks managed to scratch across a go-ahead run, putting the pressure on the Bluejays in their final at-bat. Creighton had the tying run on base and threatened to push the game to extra innings for the second time that night, but Seattle’s defense held firm, closing out another narrow 6-5 victory.
Though the final results were not what the Bluejays had hoped for, there were several encouraging takeaways from the doubleheader. The offense showed flashes of dominance, especially in the first game’s early innings. Additionally, Creighton’s pitching staff kept both games within reach, demonstrating the ability to battle against a persistent opponent.
Moving forward, the Bluejays will look to build on the positive moments from Friday’s games while focusing on key areas of improvement. Late-game execution will be a point of emphasis, as capitalizing on scoring opportunities and closing out tight contests will be critical to the team’s success as the season progresses.
Creighton will have the opportunity to bounce back in their upcoming matchups, with another weekend series on the horizon. As the team continues to develop, the lessons learned from the Seattle series will undoubtedly contribute to their growth and resilience throughout the season.
Despite the tough losses, the Bluejays remain confident and determined as they prepare for their next challenge on the schedule. With a talented roster and a commitment to refining their game, Creighton is poised to turn these early-season battles into valuable experience that will pay dividends down the road.