The Basics
Game 1 Score: MNU 4, Cottey 1
Game 2 Score: MNU 1, Cottey 17 (5 innings)
Records: MNU (5-3), Cottey (MO) (8-3)
Location: Olathe, Kan. - Williams Field
OLATHE, Kan. – MNU split its home doubleheader with Cottey on Thursday, riding a dominant complete-game effort from Mandy Brown in the opener before falling in the nightcap.
In Game 1, MNU responded to an early deficit with a 3-run third inning and added insurance late to secure a 4-1 victory. After Cottey took a 1-0 lead on a solo home run in the top of the third, the Pioneers answered immediately.
Danica Hobbs ignited the rally with a single to center, and Brie Manwarren followed with a base hit. After Lailah Simmons was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Molly Nicas worked a walk to force in the tying run. Senne Imel then delivered the key swing of the inning, reaching on a fielder's choice that plated 2 more runs to give MNU a 3-1 advantage.
The Pioneers added an insurance run in the 5th. Manwarren tripled to right field with one out, and Nicas came through again, singling up the middle to score her and stretch the lead to 4-1.
That was more than enough support for Brown, who was in complete control in the circle. The junior tossed all 7 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits while striking out 10 and walking none. She stranded five runners and worked around a pair of doubles and the third-inning homer to improve to 3-0 on the season.
Game 1 Turning Point
MNU's 3-run third inning erased a 1-0 deficit and shifted the momentum for good.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown struck out 10 in a complete-game victory. And Danica Hobbs (1-2, R, BB), Brie Manwarren (2-3, 2 R, 3B), Molly Nicas (1-2, 2 RBI, BB), and Senne Imel (0-3, 2 RBI) led the offense.
Game 2 saw Cottey jump out early with a 6-run 1st and never look back. In a 17-1 win, the Comets plated multiple runs in all 5 innings to run away with it.
Game 2 Turning Point
Cottey's six-run first inning put MNU in an early hole.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Kayleigh Neill (1-2, RBI) recorded MNU's lone RBI. Danica Hobbs went 2-for-3 at the plate, and Lailah Simmons (1-2) and Elayna Goff (1-2) each added hits in the loss.
Up Next
The next double header is Saturday at home vs. McPherson at 1:00/3:00.
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