The Basics
Score 1: MNU 12 – Missouri Valley 2 (5 inn)
Score 2: MNU 5 – Missouri Valley 3
Records: MNU (17-7, 5-1), MVCÂ (2-20, 0-6)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Williams Field
OLATHE, Kan. – MNU delivered a dominant conference sweep over Missouri Valley on Friday, overpowering the Vikings 12-2 in Game 1 before securing a 5-3 win in Game 2.
In Game 1, the Pioneers wasted no time establishing control with an explosive start at the plate. MNU erupted for 5 runs in the opening inning, highlighted by RBI hits from Lailah Simmons, Molly Nicas, Aariana Paprocki, and a 2-run single from Senne Imel.
The offensive surge continued in the 2nd inning as MNU added 6Â more runs to blow the game open. Simmons and Nicas each delivered RBI singles, while Paprocki produced a bases-clearing hit that extended the lead to double digits. By the end of the 2nd inning, the Pioneers held an 11-0 advantage and never looked back.
MNU added another run in the fourth inning on an RBI single from Lauren Schneider, while Missouri Valley managed just two late runs in the mercy rule finish.
Mandy Brown controlled the game in the circle, striking out 6 in a complete-game effort to secure the 12-2 victory.
Game 1 Turning Point
MNU's 5-run first inning put Valley in a huge hole.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown tossed a complete game with 6 strikeouts. And Danica Hobbs (2-4, R), Brie Manwarren (1-1, 2 R, 2B, BB), Lailah Simmons (3-3, 2 R, 2B, 2 RBI), Molly Nicas (2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI), Andi Clements (2-3, 2 R), Aariana Paprocki (2-2, 2 R, 2B, 3 RBI), Senne Imel (1-2, 2 RBI), and Lauren Schneider (1-2, RBI) led the offense.
In Game 2, MNU again struck early, plating 3 runs in the first inning behind RBI singles from Simmons, Nicas, and Imel to take immediate control.
The Pioneers added another run in the 2nd inning when Simmons delivered her second RBI hit of the game, extending the lead to 4-1. After Missouri Valley trimmed the deficit with solo home runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings, MNU responded with a key insurance run in the 4th on a sacrifice fly from Simmons to make it 5-2.
Missouri Valley threatened late, scoring once in the 7th, but a double play closed out the 5-3 victory and completed the sweep.
Game 2 Turning Point
MNU's 3-run first inning set the tone.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Grace Berlage earned the win in the circle, allowing 2 runs over 4 innings, while Brie Manwarren recorded the save with 3 innings of relief. And Danica Hobbs (2-3, R, Sac), Manwarren (1-2, R, 2B, 2 BB), Lailah Simmons (2-3, R, 3 RBI, SF), Senne Imel (2-3, RBI), and Dakoda Hobbs (2-3, 2 R, 2 2B) had big games at the plate.
Up Next
The next double header is Saturday at home vs. #17 Central Methodist at 1:00/3:00.
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