Pioneers Shut Out Graceland Twice

The Basics
Game 1 Score: MNU 1 - Graceland 0
Game 2 Score: MNU 4 - Graceland 0
Records: MNU (23-7, 14-4), GU (9-21, 5-12)
Location: Lamoni, Iowa

LAMONI, Iowa - MNU didn't allow a run in a double header sweep at Graceland on Monday. In Game 1, MNU had traffic on the bases all game with 11 hits, but only a 1st-inning run scored. It was all pitcher Sarah Melodia needed, and the Pioneers took the first game 1-0.

Game 1 Turning Point
MNU's run in the 1st was the difference.

Game 1 Individual Leaders
Sarah Melodia struck out 10 in a 3-hit shutout. And Cordelia Hanger (2-4, R), Sirena Salazar (2-4, 2B), Emma Ryan (2-4), Alli VanLanker (2-3, BB), and Madeline Brooks (2-3) had 2 hits apiece.

In Game 2, MNU scored single runs in the 3rd and 4th innings to take the lead, then extended with 2 more in the 7th. Hannah Etzel and Chloe Smith combined for a 10-strikeout 4-hit shutout, and MNU won 4-0.

Game 2 Turning Point
MNU's run in the 3rd was all they needed.

Game 2 Individual Leaders
Hannah Etzel struck out 8 in 5.1 innings for the win. Chloe Smith struck out 2 in 1.2 innings for the save. And Cordelia Hanger (3-4, R, SB) and Madeline Brooks (1-2, R, BB, SB) led the offense.

Up Next
The next double header is Tuesday at home vs. Missouri Valley (19-15, 6-14) at 2:00/4:00.