Softball Takes Two From the Threshers
(North Newton, KS) – In Game 1 versus Bethel College, Hastings started out slow as Bethel College scored the first run of the game at the bottom of the first. In response, senior Nicole Halsey singled to center, allowing junior Katyn Kappler to score the first run for the Broncos. Bethel came in with a rebuttal in the bottom of the third scoring three runs.
(North Newton, KS) – In Game 1 versus Bethel College, Hastings started out slow as Bethel College scored the first run of the game at the bottom of the first. In response, senior Nicole Halsey singled to center, allowing junior Katyn Kappler to score the first run for the Broncos. Bethel came in with a rebuttal in the bottom of the third scoring three runs.
While the Broncos didn't respond until the top of the fifth, they struck fire with senior Angelina Lockhart scoring a run off a bobble ball from Bethel College. The game took a dramatic turn as Lauren Lee's single set the stage for a series of events that saw Hastings College's offense come alive. Lockhart's aggressive baserunning as a pinch-runner and a crucial error by Bethel College allowed the Broncos to capitalize and score multiple runs. Subsequent hits by junior Lauren Schneider and junior Ana Medeiros tied the game at four, showcasing their offensive prowess. Sophomore Kaylee Pinneo then hit a bases-clearing triple to put Hastings ahead, 7-4.
As the game progressed into the bottom of the fifth inning, Hastings continued their offensive onslaught. Schneider's single to left field drove in another run, with Kappler crossing the plate. A fielding error by Bethel College allowed Medeiros to reach base, setting the stage for senior Isabel Tanabe's double that brought in more runs for the Broncos 9-4 lead.
The top of the seventh inning saw Pinneo and Lee reach base due to errors, setting the stage for a series of hits that allowed Hastings to score five runs to take a 14-4 lead. Senior Lexie Mudloff's single to center field advanced runners, and junior Sam Skinner's hit brought in a run. Despite a pitching change, Hastings continued to capitalize on their offensive opportunities, with Lee and Mudloff scoring on subsequent plays. Senior Isabel Tanabe's single to left field gave Hastings the 14-4 lead, securing their advantage as the game entered its final moments.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Bethel College was unable to mount a comeback, resulting in a quiet end to the game. Hastings' strong performance in the top of the inning proved to be decisive, securing them the 14-4 victory in a well-fought contest.
Tanabe was 4-6 with three RBI's, while Mudloff and Schneieder each recorded two-hit games, with Schneider scoring a team-high three runs. Junior Kiera Brack got the win, pitching all seven innings and giving up three earned runs, striking out one.
In a dominating performance, the Hastings Broncos secured a resounding 11-3 victory in Game 2 of the series. The game started with a bang as Pinneo's double to deep right-center drove in the first run of the game. The Broncos continued to pile on the runs, with key hits from players like Mudloff and Kappler extending their 6-0 lead.
Hastings offense went quiet for a couple innings after the first inning, but exploded in the following innings. They showcased their power with a homerun in the fourth inning making the score 7-1 and continued to add to their lead in the later innings.
The sixth inning saw Hastings' offense firing on all cylinders once again. Big hits from players like Schneider, Pinneo, and Lee helped secure the victory for the Broncos. The game ended with Hastings celebrating a well-deserved 11-3 run-rule win, showcasing their strength both at the plate and on the field.
Pinneo was 3-4 at the plate with three RBIs and two runs scored, while Tanabe, Schneider, and Mudloff were all 2-4, as Hastings had 14 hits. Lockhart pitched all six innings, giving up just one earned run on six hits, striking out two.
Up next, Hastings will play against Peru State on March 1st at 1:20pm at Wichita, Kansas in the Friends Tournament.
