WAUKESHA, Wis. - Amanda Osterhus took command of the situation.
Osterhus, a freshman right-hander from Munster, Ind., pitched a five-hitter with 12 strikeouts and no walks as the Carroll University softball team defeated North Park University 2-1 in the opening game of a College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin doubleheader at Jean Kilgour Field on Saturday afternoon.
It was the official home opener for Carroll, which improved to 2-1 in the conference standings and 11-10 overall.
The contest remained scoreless after four innings but the Pioneers answered the pressure-packed challenge by scoring two runs in what became a decisive bottom of the fifth inning.
It proved to be enough as a potential North Park rally fell one run short in the top of the sixth.
Osterhus, 4-3 overall, showcased her mental toughness in the sixth with runners on first and third and two outs - promptly answering with an aggressive inning-ending strikeout.
"It was really exciting to come out strong, play with a lot of energy and get our first home-field victory of the season," said Osterhus, who leads the team with an impressive 1.94 earned run average and 64 strikeouts through 51 innings. "There were a few tough situations so it was great to be able to work through the pressure and get the job done.
"With the potential tying run at third in the sixth, I just tried to focus on hitting my spots. Fortunately, everything came together. As a freshman, it's been great being a part of such a hard-working team this season. It was fun to be able to end the game on a strong note and contribute to another hard-fought victory today."
Senior shortstop Megan Kohlmetz (Appleton, Wis.) drove in Carroll's first run on a sacrifice fly to right field in the fifth to break the scoreless deadlock.
Freshman center fielder Rosalie Jrolf (Dousman, Wis.) scored after beginning the inning with a walk, advancing to second on a passed ball and taking third on a bunt single by sophomore right fielder Annika Graves (Muskego, Wis.).
"My adrenaline was running a little high during my first few at-bats so it was great to be able to settle in, hit the ball hard into the outfield and drive the run in," said Kohlmetz, noting that the pitch was low and outside. "Being a senior, I was able to keep my composure at the plate and make the most of the opportunity. Having a lot of friends and family here watching only added to the excitement. 
"With it being a CCIW game, every victory is huge no matter who it is against. It was just a lot of fun to see everything come together."
Senior first baseman Kelly Strasser (Waterford, Wis.) followed by driving in what proved to be the winning run on a one-out sacrifice fly to right field to cap the critical fifth.
Graves scored from third with the game-winner after reaching on the bunt single, taking second on Kohlmetz's sacrifice fly and advancing on a passed ball.
Carroll head coach Amy Gradecki's team didn't commit an error in the contest.
Sophomore second baseman Sami Creachbaum scored as the result of a fielder's choice infield single for North Park, which dropped to 1-6 in conference and 4-23 overall.
Freshman right-hander Hayley Jackson pitched a four-hitter with two strikeouts and four walks in taking a complete-game loss.