WAUKESHA, Wis. -- The Augustana Vikings softball team earned its second sweep of the CCIW slate on Sunday, defeating the Carroll Pioneers on the road by scores of 3-1 and 6-1.

In the opener, each team placed runners on third base in the first inning, but neither could scratch across a run as the two teams played scoreless through three frames. The Vikings broke the 0-0 tie in the fourth, beginning with two walks and an error to load the bases. With three on and one out, Brooke Hartzell doubled into the gap in right-center to drive in all three and put Augie up 3-0. The three runs proved to be enough, holding the Pioneers to just one score the rest of the way. Carroll went down in order in the seventh to end the game at its 3-1 final.

Nadia Ranieri secured the win on the mound after going the distance and striking out eight batters. Five different Vikings tallied a hit, with McKensey Stontz, Claudia Buchholz, and Morgan Bielfeldt all reaching base multiple times. 

In game two, Augie again broke a scoreless tie with a three-run inning, this time coming in the team's second at-bat opportunity. Two walks and a bunt single loaded the bases with one out to kick off the second frame before the first run crossed home on another walk issued to Jennica Soliz. Moments later, Stontz connected on a two-run double to add to the Vikings' lead and make it a 3-0 advantage exiting the inning. 

The Pioneers earned one back in the top of the fourth, but Augustana quickly countered in the bottom half with a two-run home run from Ashlyn Mathers. Stontz secured one more RBI in the sixth after driving in Olivia Blood with a single to left. Lauren Koster retired the Pioneers in order in the seventh to seal the 6-1 victory.

Koster earned the win on the mound after going all seven innings and allowing just four hits. Augie racked up seven hits in the win, led by two from Stonz, who also finished the contest with three runs driven in.

With the wins, the Vikings improve to 18-10 on the season and 7-3 in the CCIW. The team will return to action on Thursday to face UW-Platteville on the road.