Gaard, a senior outfielder, hit .583 (7-for-12) with a double, six RBI and three runs scored in four games as Luther clinched its first Conference title since 1988. Gaard went a combined 5-for-7 in a doubleheader sweep of #22-ranked Central. In the opener, a 15-5 Norse win, she was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. In an 8-2 win in the nightcap, she went 2-for-3 with four RBI and one run scored. Gaard was 1-for-3 in Luther’s 4-1 loss to Wartburg but rebounded with a 1-for-2, 1 double, 1 RBI performance in a 4-3 win that clinched the Conference title outright.
