Bradley Softball Earns Coach Hayes 400th Win

PEORIA, IL -- Junior pitcher Julie Kestas struck out nine in a 1-hit shutout and third baseman Maria Schroeder drove in three runs, helping 10th-year Bradley head coach Amy Hayes earn her 400th career win Thursday night at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Dome.

The Braves (1-0) opened the 2018 season with an 8-0 victory against Saint Louis (0-1) to start the Petersen Hotels Invitational.

Although she walked five and hit a batter, Kestas allowed only one hit, a sharp single to third base by Allie Macfarlane to lead off the fourth inning.  She routinely worked out of trouble with timely strikeouts to record her second career shutout and eighth career complete game.

Schroeder was one of three Braves to contribute two hits to Bradley's 10-hit attack.  She hit a ground rule double in the first inning and scored on catcher Kealia Wysocki's 2-run single to get the scoring started.  Schroeder drew a leadoff walk in the third and later scored on the first of freshman Stacia Seeton's two doubles, then keyed Bradley's 3-run fourth inning with a 2-run double and a run scored.

In addition to Schroeder's effort, first baseman Katie Habryle (1-for-3) and Wysocki (2-for-3) both drove in two runs.

Teutopolis graduate Allison Apke is a member of the team.

The Petersen Hotels Invitational will continue with four games Friday:
9:00 a.m. - Miami (OH) vs. Saint Louis
11:30 a.m. - #4 Washington vs. Saint Louis
2:00 p.m. - #4 Washington at BRADLEY
4:30 p.m. - Miami (OH) at BRADLEY

The tournament will continue with three more games Saturday and four Sunday.