The Basics
Score 1: MNU 3 – Sterling 0
Score 2: MNU 5 – Sterling 3
Records: MNU (9-5)
Location: Sterling, Kan.
STERLING, Kan. – MNU swept Sterling in a doubleheader with a 3-0 victory in Game 1 and a 5-3 win in Game 2 on Wednesday.
In Game 1, MNU struck early in the first inning. Danica Hobbs singled and stole second before moving to third on a groundout. Molly Nicas then delivered an RBI single to score Hobbs and give MNU a 1-0 lead.
The game remained tight as Mandy Brown controlled the circle, stranding multiple Sterling baserunners while piling up strikeouts. Brown finished with a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out 12.
MNU added insurance in the 6th inning. Elayna Goff walked before Brie Manwarren tripled to right field, bringing home Goff and scoring on an overthrow, extending the lead to 3-0 and giving the Pioneers breathing room heading into the final inning.
Game 1 Turning Point
The run in the 1st was all MNU needed.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown struck out 12 in a complete game shutout. And Danica Hobbs (2-4, R, SB), Brie Manwarren (1-4, R, 3B, RBI), Molly Nicas (4-4, RBI), Senne Imel (2-3, 2B, BB), and Elayna Goff (1-2, R, 2 BB) led the offense.
In Game 2, MNU rallied after falling behind and used a big 4th inning to secure a 5-3 victory and the sweep.
The Pioneers struck first in the 3rd inning when Tuscani Ritter walked, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI single by Lailah Simmons.
Sterling answered in the bottom of the inning with a 2-run double to take a 2-1 lead, but MNU responded immediately in the 4th. Elayna Goff reached on an error and Maddie Call worked a walk before Dakoda Hobbs crushed a triple to drive in 2 runs and swing the momentum back to the Pioneers. Ritter followed with an RBI groundout to score Hobbs and extend the lead to 4-2.
MNU added another run in the 6th when Senne Imel tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly from Goff, pushing the lead to 5-2. Sterling managed a run in the bottom half of the inning, but Brie Manwarren held firm the rest of the way to secure the complete-game victory.
Game 2 Turning Point
Dakoda Hobbs' 2-run triple in the 4th inning flipped a deficit into a lead.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Brie Manwarren struck out 7 in a complete game victory. And Senne Imel, Dakota Hobbs (2-3, R, 3B, 2 RBI), and Tuscani Ritter (1-2, R, RBI, BB) had big games at the plate.
Up Next
The next double header is Friday at home vs. UHSP at 2:00/4:00.
Â
