|
|
MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University senior Paige Ahrendt wrapped up her softball playing career with the Mustangs.
Ahrendt, a former standout at Pipestone Area Schools, served last weekend as designated player in both games of a doubleheader against Minnesota State. These games also served as Senior Day at SMSU.
Southwest Minnesota State University softball player Paige Ahrendt bats during a game versus Minnesota State on Saturday, April 27, at Marshall. (Contributed photo by Jake O’Neill, Marshall Independent)
The Mavericks defeated the Mustangs in both games by scores of 5-4 and 4-3.
This year, Ahrendt has 11 hits and six RBI for the Mustangs and a .978 fielding percentage.
Season-highs for Ahrendt include a multi-hit game on March 4 versus Concord University (W.Va.), two RBI against Minnesota-Crookston March 25 and nine putouts versus Truman State University (Mo.) Feb. 19.
During 2023, Ahrendt had her best season — batting .273 with six doubles and 22 RBI. She had an outstanding .990 fielding percentage.
She played four games during her freshman season, and was primarily a pinch hitter as a sophomore.
The Mustangs were 19-32 overall and 10-18 in the NSIC under former Pipestone player Bailey Bouman. Troy Bouman, longtime head coach for PAS, is serving as an assistant at SMSU this year.
Paige Ahrendt is a former Pipestone Area Schools standout in softball. (Contributed photo from Southwest Minnesota State University)
Ahrendt, a two-time academic all-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference selection, is a sports management, physical education and health major at SMSU.
She is the daughter of Keri Prins.
