Senators Defeat Jülich in Both Games
The Jülich Duchess, though previously unknown, proved to be a formidable opponent for the Düsseldorf Senators. Aggressive at the plate, solid on defense, and equipped with strong pitching, the Duchess challenged the home team from the first pitch.
“There are no easy games in this league,” Head Coach Frank Mohr emphasized.
In the circle, Katja once again demonstrated her current strength, delivering her second consecutive complete game. Three hits allowed, one walk, and no earned runs – an impressive stat line.
“This is the result of hard work and a defense that operates as a unified unit,” said the coach after the game.
“Knowing that my catcher is behind me when a pitch doesn’t land perfectly gives me so much confidence – and you can feel that throughout the entire team,” the starter said, visibly pleased after another strong performance.
The Senators also shined offensively: 17 hits and an 11-run inning in the second frame led to a dominant and never-in-doubt 16–1 victory over a strong-performing Jülich team.
Game 2: Team Effort Turns the Tide
In game two of the day, Karen once again took the circle and picked up right where she left off. After two steady innings, she handed the ball over to Olivia, the youngest player on the team.
“Karen consistently gives us two strong innings – her confidence is growing week by week,” said the coaching staff. “And Olivia is developing steadily. That she pitched a full inning in this game probably only sank in later.”
Coach Mohr also made a point to share a broader perspective on the role of pitchers:
“There’s often the impression that pitchers have to dominate a game on their own – especially influenced by the image of college softball. Our philosophy is different: the pitcher’s job is to keep the game close so that the offense has the chance to produce runs. That takes pressure off and builds trust throughout the entire roster.”
After three innings, Jülich held a 6–2 lead — a deserved advantage built on effective offense and solid defense with minimal errors.
But the Senators didn’t back down.
“We left some good opportunities unused in the early innings,” said Mohr. “But in the fourth, we were ready to go for it.”
Trailing 4–6, the coaching staff made strategic adjustments and turned up the pressure.
“Laura’s line drive was a really solid hit,” recalled Assistant Coach Patrick Mohr. “Unfortunately, it went straight into the pitcher’s glove — first out. But then came five consecutive hits, followed by a smartly executed RBI groundout by Johanne, which gave us the lead.”
Now up 7–6, it was up to the closer to bring the narrow lead across the finish line. After a quick lineout and a walk, she kept her cool — two strikeouts later, she had secured her third save of the season.
Two games, two wins — a perfect start to the Senators’ home stand at Südallee.
“I was sure that eventually the breakthrough would come,” Mohr said, reflecting on the long-awaited second-game win in a doubleheader. “The fact that it happened against such a well-prepared team like Jülich makes it all the more meaningful. They played a strong game — and the lopsided result in game one shouldn’t overshadow that.”
Looking Ahead: Clash with League Leader Neunkirchen
Next Sunday, the Senators will face the current league leaders from Neunkirchen — one of the most unpredictable teams in the competition.
“If we play to our full potential and everyone is healthy, we can compete with any team in the league — including Neunkirchen,” said Mohr. “You never know exactly what lineup they’ll bring. But we’ll take it as it comes and look forward to the challenge.”
