The Pioneers advanced to the final step of the conference tournament with a double header sweep of Benedictine on Friday.
In Game 1, the Pioneers scored a quick run when
Keeley Ray led off by getting hit with a pitch. One out later, she advanced on a wild pitch and then scored on a Jen Costa single off the second baseman's glove. The Pioneers would not score again, but Costa's 5-hit complete game shutout gave MNU the 1-0 victory.
In Game 2, Costa started the scoring with her 25th homer of the season; a solo shot to center. The Ravens answered with a run in the second to tie the game, but the Pioneers re-took the lead in the third with a
Taylor Ryal RBI single. The Ravens tied it again in the bottom of the third, but would not score again. A single run in the fourth and 3 more in the fifth blew the game open, and MNU won 6-2.
Jessica Hull (8-4) picked up the win in relief, and
Keeley Ray (2-4, R, 2B), Jenny Polivka (1-2, R, 2B, SB), Jen Costa (2-3, 2 R, HR, RBI, BB, 2 SB),
Taylor Ryal (2-4, 2 RBI, SB),
Ashley Salter (1-3, R, BB, SB),
Lynsey Keith (1-3, BB, SB), and
Tianna George (1-3, 2B, BB) led the offense.
The Pioneers are 35-10. They will play in a 4-team double elimination tournament at Central Methodist on Friday and Saturday. The seeds are: #1 Central Methodist, #2 MNU, #3 Evangel, #4 William Jewell.
Game 1:
Box and Play by Play
Game 2:
Box and Play by Play
