A lot of things went right for the Austin softball team as it beat Red Wing (0-2 overall, 0-2 Big Nine) 11-0 in five innings in the dome at Wescott Athletic Complex Tuesday.

The Packers played strong defense, they racked up 11 hits, and their eighth grade pitcher had her best outing her young career in the circle. Jaeda Bekaert, who was brought up to the varsity squad this season, allowed just two hits and one walk as she struck out five to pick up her first career shutout in the win.

“The shutout was nice, but I couldn’t have done it without everyone else,” Bekaert said.

Bekaert has started the season with a record of 2-1 overall in four appearances for the Packers (5-2 overall, 3-2 Big Nine). She has pitched a total of 18 and one-thirds of an inning, while allowing 18 hits, seven walks and eight earned runs, while striking out 14.

Bekaert was pretty shocked when she found out she was going to be playing varsity softball this spring, but she’s calmed down with each and every game.

“I was really nervous and I didn’t know anybody so it was super scary at first, Everyone’s gone out of their way to get to know me and help me fit in,” Bekaert said. “It’s made it a lot easier, knowing that they’ve always got my back in the field.”

Austin sophomore catcher Jordyn McCormack, who tripled in two runs in the first inning Tuesday, can relate to Bekaert’s situation. McCormack was brought up to varsity as a freshman last season and she’s been more than happy to show Bekaert the ropes of playing varsity softball this spring.

“I’m kind of one of the younger ones on the team and with her being the youngest, I think we work well together,” McCormack said.

While the Packers have plenty of pitchers on the roster they can use this spring, Austin head coach Al Eckmann likes what he’s seen out of Bekaert in her early action.

“She really has some poise and she pitches pretty well,” Eckmann said. “She throws a little quicker than people think, she’s got good stuff and she puts it in good spots with good location. She does a nice job.”

Austin’s top of the lineup was on fire in Tuesday’s win as the top four hitters combined to go 10-for-11. Senior lead-off hitter Halie Retterath went three-for-three with a double and an RBI, senior Adison Medgaarden went three-for-three with three RBIs, McCormack was one-for-two and sophomore Hannah McMasters went two-for-two with three RBIs.

“It was a lot of fun,” Medgaarden said. “We’ve been playing together for a long time and we work well together. Our confidence is really strong this year.”

With the weather continuing to play a big factor, the Packers will hold their eighth straight home game when they host Rochester John Marshall (3-0 overall, 3-0 Big Nine) under the dome at 5 p.m.on Thursday.

“We needed to play a complete game and today was a nice effort,” Eckmann said. “JM is a good team and we need to get at it and play well. We don’t need to worry about the weather, we’ll just worry about softball.”

RW 0 0 0  0 0  —   0    2  1

Austin 3 4 2  2 X  — 11  11  1

Austin pitching: Jaeda Bekaert (W) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 0 R, 5 K

Austin hitting: Halie Retterath, 3-for-3, double, RBI, 3 R; Adison Medgaarden, 3-for-3, 3 RBIs, 2 R; Jordyn McCormack, 1-for-2, triple, 2 RBIs, 2 R, BB; Hannah McMasters, 2-for-2, 2 RBIs; Kyra Walters, 1-for-3, RBI; Avery Thompson, 0-for-2, BB; Jenna Braaten, 0-for-2, BB; AJ Richard, 1-for-3, 2 RBIs; Hannah Biwer, 0-for-1, 2 R, 2 BBs; Emilee Lau, R, SB; Destiny Gray, R; Erica Lundberg, 0-for-1