EMPORIA, Kan. – The Hawk softball team opened their 2023 campaign at the Emporia State University Classic on Saturday, February 18th with two games. QU began the day with a dramatic win over the University of Sioux Falls by the score of 6-4. They turned around and lost to Winona State by the score of 6-4.
Game 1 vs Sioux Falls
After a quiet opening two innings, the Hawks got on the board with a
Jayle Jennings RBI single to left field.
Ashley Gerber followed that up with an RBI single of her own to left field, than she would advance to third on a fielding error by the left fielder.
In the circle, Jennings was perfect through the first 4.2 innings, but the Cougars were able to get on base with an infield single. They would then got on the board with back-to-back RBI doubles to tie the game at 2.
The Hawks answered back with Gerber knocking a double down the left field line that brought home
Allison Kaiser. USF tied the game in the bottom of the 6th on a single up the middle with one out.
In extra innings, the Hawks took the lead back with a
Taylor Downen sac fly to center field. Then, they executed a double steal as
Bailey Mitchell stole second and Gerber stole home to make it 5-3.
Brooklynn Fischer hit an RBI double down the left field line to give the Hawks some more insurance runs.
Despite going 6.2 innings and only allowing 3 runs,
Jayle Jennings would end up with a no decision. Fischer came on for the final four outs and recorded the win.
Game Leaders
Ashley Gerber: 3 for 4, 2 2B, 2 RBIs, run
Brooklyn Fischer: 1 for 1, 2B, RBI
Game 2 vs Winona State
The Hawks battled the Winona State University Warriors in the second game of the day. Before the Hawks could blink, WSU would lead 5-0 through two innings of play.
Allyson Maynard got the Hawks on the board with an RBI double to left field that brought home
Allison Kaiser.
Taylor Downen made it 5-2 WSU with a sac fly to center.
Winona State extended the lead to 6-2 with a fielder's choice.
QU tried to rally for a comeback as
Mykah Hurley singled to center field to score
Lindsey Fischer that made it 6-3.
Madeline Ruzicka made it 6-4 with an RBI single to right center.
Brooklyn Fischer got the start and went the complete game in the loss.
Game Leaders
Allyson Maynard: 2 for 3, 2B, RBI