The Mount Marty University Lancers run-ruled the Hastings College Broncos twice in GPAC play on Tuesday, April 9th. This doubleheader, which was originally supposed to be played last Saturday, moved the Lancers up to the 6th spot in the Great Plains Athletic Conference softball standings. 

Game One:

With a score of 8-0 in the first game, the Lancers set the tone for the day, leaving the Broncos struggling to catch up.

The Lancers' victory was anchored by a stellar performance from pitcher McKenzie Gray, who kept the Broncos scoreless throughout the entire game. Gray's solid pitching, combined with the Lancers' aggressive offense, proved too much for the Broncos to handle. Mount Marty's offense was firing on all cylinders, tallying 12 hits and 8 runs in just 6 innings. Autumn Porter and Abby Johnson shined in game one, each supplying a home run a piece for the Lancers. Abby Johnson crossed home plate twice in game one, while Autumn Porter, Ella Ray, Kayleen Jacinto, Reese Peterson, Ella McNew, and Raegan Harper all tallied one run a piece. 
 

Despite their efforts, the Hastings College Broncos couldn't find their rhythm at the plate, managing only 5 hits and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Bronco's pitcher, K. Boever, faced 30 batters, striking out 4, but allowed 12 hits and 2 walks on the game.

Game Two:

The Lancers emerged victorious in game two with a final score of 14-5

Right from the start, the Lancers asserted their dominance, racking up an impressive seven runs in the opening inning. Led by the powerful hitting of Abby Johnson and Makayla Hudson, who each launched home runs, Mount Marty's offense set the tone early on. This home run would be Abby Johnson's second home run of the series. The Broncos, however, managed to claw back with three runs of their own in the second inning, fueled by timely hits from I. Tanabe and S. Skinner.

As the game progressed, both teams traded blows, with the Lancers maintaining their lead through a combination of stellar pitching and relentless hitting. Pitcher Makayla Graunke and reliever Jacey Hayen effectively stifled the Broncos' offense, limiting their scoring opportunities and keeping Mount Marty in control. Graunke and Hayen both struck out two batters a piece, while Hayen committed zero errors in her four innings pitched.

The Lancers' offense remained relentless throughout the game, with multiple players contributing to the onslaught. Adrian Schoby, Sami Noble, and Ella McNew all delivered clutch hits, driving in crucial runs and extending Mount Marty's lead.