For the first time since 2006, the St. Catherine University softball team opened the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) season with a series sweep with two wins over Augsburg College Sunday at Edor Nelson Field in Minneapolis. And thanks to a huge effort at the plate from Jessica Tyminski (Champlin, Minn.), the Wildcats defeated the Auggies for the first time since 2009. For her efforts, Tyminski has been named the Wildcat Athlete of the Week.
The junior had her best week of the season so far going 4-for-6 at the plate with two RBI and a monster 1.167 slugging percentage to lead the Wildcats to victory over the Auggies. In the 3-0 game one win, Tyminski got the Wildcats on the board in the first inning with her first home run of the season – a two-run shot to right center field. She then picked up another hit in the third inning.
In the 4-1 game two victory, Tyminski was walked in a second inning that saw eight Wildcats come to bat and two runs come home for an early four-run lead. She then picked up singles in each the fourth and sixth innings to bring her season total to 14 – currently tied for second most on the team.
Tyminski's .667 average in conference games currently ranks sixth in the MIAC, while her 1.167 slugging percentage in conference games is fifth. Her season average of .333 also ranks second on the team among all starters and she leads the team in doubles (5) and total bases (22). Her career slugging percentage of .507 is also the highest among all active Wildcats.
Tyminski and the rest of the Wildcats are slated for their official home opener Tuesday against Bethel University at 3:30 p.m. at St. Kate's.
