The Basics
Game 1 Score: MNU 7, LSU-Alexandria 3
Game 2 Score: MNU 3, Texas A&M-Victoria 6
Game 3 Score: MNU 5, Texas A&M-San Antonio 4
Game 4 Score: MNU 0, Louisiana Christian 3
Records: MNU (2-2)
Location: Ward 9 Sportsplex – Pineville, La.
PINEVILLE, La. – MNU kicked off its 2026 campaign with a 4-game split over the weekend.
In Game 1 vs. #13 LSU-Alexandria, the Pioneers wasted no time in their season debut, exploding for 4 runs in the top of the 1st to set the tone. Danica Hobbs led off with a double and came around to score on a groundout by Aariana Paprocki. MNU took full advantage of a pair of LSUA miscues to tack on three more — including RBI knocks from Molly Nicas and Dakoda Hobbs — to seize a commanding 4-0 lead. Mandy Brown was stellar in the circle, tossing a complete-game victory while striking out 7 and scattering 7 hits. The Pioneers tacked on insurance in the second and fourth innings, highlighted by Paprocki's second RBI of the game. LSUA threatened late but couldn't erase the early deficit, and the Pioneers picked up a huge win over a top-15 team.
Game 1 Turning Point
MNU's 4-run outburst in the first inning proved to be enough.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown struck out 7 in a complete game victory. And Danica Hobbs (2-2, 2 R, 2B, 2 BB), Brie Manwarren (1-3, 2 R, 2B, RBI, BB, SB), Aariana Paprocki (1-4, 2 RBI), and Molly Nicas (2-4, R, RBI) led the offense.
In Game 2, Texas A&M-Victoria plated three runs in the 1st inning and never trailed. Despite outhitting the Jaguars, the Pioneers couldn't recover from the early deficit. MNU picked up a run in the 5th, but the Jags responded with 3 in the bottom of the inning to pull away. The Pioneers rallied for 2 in the 7th, but the tying run was left on deck and the final was 6-3.
Game 2 Turning Point
A&M-Victoria's three-run 5th inning pushed the lead to 6-1.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Grace Berlage struck out 6 in a loss. And Danica Hobbs (2-4, 2 RBI), Lailah Simmons (2-4, 2B, RBI), and Senne Imel (2-2, R, BB) had 2 hits apiece.
In Game 3 vs. Texas A&M San Antonio, a back-and-forth contest found MNU with a 4-2 lead heading to the 7th. The Jaguars rallied to tie the game, but MNU responded quickly in the bottom of the inning. Lailah Simmons led off with a walk, and Molly Nicas followed with a double. Senne Imel followed with a sac fly, and MNU earned the walk-off victory.
Game 3Â Turning Point
Senne Imel's sac fly won it in the 7th.
Game 3Â Individual Leaders
Aly Turner picked up a complete game win. And Danica Hobbs (3-3, 3 R, BB, SB), Brie Manwarren (2-4), Lailah Simmons (1-3, 2 R, BB), Molly Nicas (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB), and Aariana Paprocki (2-3, RBI) led the offense.
In Game 4 at Louisiana Christian, MNU couldn't dent the plate while the hosts scored single runs in the 1st, 4th, and 6th innings to win 3-0.
Game 4 Turning Point
LCU's run in the 1st proved to be enough.
Game 4Â Individual Leaders
Brie Manwarren struck out 3 in a complete game loss, She also walked twice at the plate. And Lailah Simmons (2-3, 2B) and Andi Clements (2-3) had 2 hits apiece.
Up Next
The next double header is Wednesday the 18th at home vs. Friends at 2:00/4:00.
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