The Basics
Score 1: MNU 8 – Saint Mary 1
Score 2: MNU 9 – Saint Mary 8 (8 inn)
Records: MNU (19-9), Saint Mary (11-17)
Location: Leavenworth, Kan. – USM Softball Complex
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – MNU delivered a dominant opening performance and followed with a resilient comeback to sweep Saint Mary on Wednesday.
In Game 1, MNU wasted no time, exploding for 7 runs in the top of the 1st inning. The rally began with a Danica Hobbs single and a Brie Manwarren double. RBI singles from Molly Nicas, Senne Imel, and Tuscani Ritter made it 4-0 before Dakoda Hobbs delivered the biggest swing of the inning - a 2-run triple (and scored a 3rd run on an error) - to give the Pioneers a 7-0 lead.
The Pioneers added another run in the 3rd inning, and starter Mandy Brown turned in a dominant complete-game performance, limiting Saint Mary to just 1 hit while striking out 14.
Game 1 Turning Point
MNU's 7-run first inning set the tone and put the game out of reach early.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown allowed just 1 hit with 14 strikeouts in a complete-game victory. And Brie Manwarren (2-2, R, 2B), Molly Nicas (2-3, R 2 RBI, BB), Senne Imel (2-2, 2 R, 3B, RBI), Aariana Paprocki (1-3, R, RBI), Tuscani Ritter (1-3, R, RBI), and Dakoda Hobbs (2-3, R, 3B, 2 RBI) led the offense.
In Game 2, MNU faced a much tougher test, falling behind 4-0 through 4 innings as Saint Mary took control.
The Pioneers responded in the 5th inning, cutting into the deficit with a 3-run frame sparked by a 2-run triple from Brie Manwarren and a squeeze from Lailah Simmons to make it 4-3.
After tying the game in the 7th on an RBI single from Simmons, MNU seized control in the 8th. Senne Imel opened the frame with an RBI triple, followed by an RBI single from Kayleigh Neill. Moments later, Simmons delivered the decisive blow with a 3-run double down the right field line, pushing the Pioneers ahead 9-4.
Saint Mary mounted a late rally in the bottom half of the inning, scoring 4 runs to narrow the gap, but MNU held on to complete the sweep with a 9-8 victory.
Game 2 Turning Point
MNU's 5-run 8th inning provided the decisive cushion.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Brie Manwarren struck out 4 in 3 innings of relief for the win. She also scored twice and drove in 2. And Danica Hobbs (3-5, 3 R), Lailah Simmons (3-4, 2B, 5 RBI, Sac), and Senne Imel (2-3, R, 3B, RBI, BB) had multi-hit games.
Up Next
The next double header is Friday at #10 Missouri Baptist at 2:00/4:00.
