WAYNE, Neb. - The Winona State University softball team took both games of an NSIC doubleheader played at Wayne State College on Tuesday, April 18. WSU won game one by a 11-4 scoreline and then took the nightcap 10-5.
Winona State 11, Wayne State 4
In game one, Winona State battled back from a 4-1 deficit after two innings of play to rally with a seven-run fifth frame for the victory.
Abbie Hlas hit a home run and a triple en route to collecting five RBI in the contest. Hlas' triple cleared the bases in the fifth inning, three of the seven Warrior runs which catapulted WSU into the lead.
Libby Neveau also had a home run in the fifth, while
Logan Anderson added a double with runners aboard, scoring
Teaghen Amwoza in the process.
Winona State added two more runs in the sixth inning and held Wayne State scoreless in the top of the seventh inning to end the game after the final Wildcat out.
Starting pitcher
Abby Smith went the distance for Winona State, striking out six WSC batters while walking just two. Smith scatted eight hits over seven innings and allowed four runs, all earned.
Wayne State used two pitchers in the game with starter Sami Felt throwing into the fourth inning before being replaced by Callie Carraher. Overall, WSC scored four runs on eight hits and committed one error. Winona State plated 11 runs on 16 hits and had one miscue in the field.
Winona State 10, Wayne State 5
Game two saw Winona State open up an early lead and pull away for a 10-5 win and a doubleheader sweep.
Libby Neveau was again the catalyst for a big Warrior inning, hitting a home run in the bottom of the first frame with
Abbie Hlas and
Marissa Mullen on base. Warrior teammate
Cammi Riemer followed suit with a home run of her own moments later, good for two more WSU RBI with
Teaghen Amwoza on base following a walk.
WSU put together another big inning in the fourth, with Hlas hitting a double and a host of Warriors capitalizing on a Wildcat wild pitch as well as two WSU singles by
Carly Engelhardt and
Teaghen Amwoza, respectively.
Skyler Calmes started in the circle for Winona State, throwing into the third inning before being relieved by
Abbie Hlas. Hlas went the final four and 2/3's innings, earning the win. Hlas struck out three WSC batters in claiming her 12th win of the season.
Wayne State pitcher Sophie Stuart took the loss for the Wildcats. WSC scored five runs on eight hits and committed one error. Winona State collected 10 runs on 8 hits and committed an error.
Winona State (30-11 overall, 13-3 NSIC) is scheduled next to play at Minot State University on Saturday, April 22, and at the University of Mary on Sunday, April 23.
