No. 11 WashU softball sweeps UChicago in first UAA series win

Bears improve to 16-3-1 on the season with three run-rule victories over the Maroons

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:52am

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The No. 11 Washington University softball team swept the University of Chicago Maroons in their first University Athletic Association (UAA) series of the season, winning all three games via the mercy rule. The three wins improved the Bears' record to 16-3-1 overall and 4-2 in the UAA.

Why it matters

This series sweep marks the Bears' first UAA series win of the season, an important milestone in a conference that is considered one of the best in the country. The dominant performances on the mound, at the plate, and on the basepaths showcase the team's well-rounded abilities and provide momentum heading into their next UAA matchup against NYU.

The details

In the first game, the Bears jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and then exploded for a 7-run fifth inning to win 11-3. Junior pitcher Maria Brooks threw six strong innings, allowing just two hits and no earned runs. In the first game of the Saturday doubleheader, WashU won 12-4, with junior third baseman Kennedy Grippo hitting a walk-off two-run homer in the sixth inning. In the series finale, the Bears scored four runs on six straight hits to start the game and cruised to a 10-2 victory, capped by a two-run homer from first-year outfielder Oliva Lauber.

  • The series sweep took place on April 1-2, 2026.
  • The Bears' next UAA matchup is against New York University next weekend.

The players

Maria Brooks

A junior pitcher who threw six strong innings in the first game, allowing just two hits and no earned runs.

Kennedy Grippo

A junior third baseman who hit a walk-off two-run homer in the sixth inning of the first game of the Saturday doubleheader.

Oliva Lauber

A first-year outfielder who hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning of the series finale to seal the 10-2 victory.

Casey Cromwell

The head coach of the WashU softball team, who praised her team's offensive execution and focus in practice leading to the dominant series sweep.

Harper Nix

A sophomore first baseman who had two hits in the first game of the series.

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What they’re saying

“Getting out ahead just allows your pitchers to play more freely, allows our defense to play more freely. And so I'm happy that we did that, and we'll now have learned the lesson of getting on top of on top of teams early and then making sure that we capitalize.”

— Casey Cromwell, Head Coach

“This weekend was the first time we've really just capitalized on our small game. We're fast, we like to bunt, we like to run the bases, and we have ... so it was good to just get back to our type of play.”

— Casey Cromwell, Head Coach

What’s next

The Bears will look to carry their momentum into another UAA matchup against New York University next weekend.

The takeaway

This dominant series sweep against a conference rival showcases the well-rounded abilities of the No. 11 WashU softball team, from their strong pitching and timely hitting to their aggressive baserunning. The Bears are poised to continue their success in UAA play as they set their sights on the postseason.