Bates led the Gannon softball team to a 5-1 record last week, posting a .476 batting average and .714 slugging percentage with two doubles and a home run. The sophomore also compiled six RBI, four runs scored and a .500 on-base percentage. She helped the Lady Knights clinch their first sweep of a PSAC opponent, going 5-for-7 against Slippery Rock on April 10. In the bottom of the seventh, Bates set up the game-winning run by moving junior Jess Rectenwald to third with a hit. An RBI single during the next at-bat sealed the Lady Knights' 3-2 walk-off win. Bates went a perfect 3-for-3 during the nightcap against Slippery Rock to help the Lady Knights earn a 2-1 walk-off win and a sweep. During a 7-4 victory against Seton Hill on April 12, Bates ripped a two-run double during the bottom of the second. She later added a two-run single during the bottom of the fourth of an 8-0 five-inning win in the nightcap, completing back-to-back doubleheader sweeps against PSAC opponents. Bates accounted for the only runs in a 2-0 victory against Slippery Rock on April 13 with her first home run of the season during the top of the first inning. The sophomore's bomb secured the Lady Knights' sixth straight win. Bates went 2-for-3 in game one with two RBI and a run scored.
