Game One:
In an early morning showdown in Crete, NE, the Mount Marty University Lancers faced off against the Doane University Tigers in a thrilling doubleheader. The Lancers and the Tigers won a game a piece, with final scores of 5-3 and 6-8.
Mount Marty's pitcher McKenzie Gray showcased her talent on the mound, earning her ninth win of the season with an impressive performance. She exhibited precision and control throughout the game, allowing only three runs and striking out nine batters (Gray's new PR) over the course of seven innings.
"I am very proud of Kenzie for setting a new career strikeout record, she was spinning the ball very well and it showed today!" says Head Coach Kayla Bryant.
The Lancers got off to a strong start in the first inning, with Reese Peterson delivering a crucial triple down the right-field line, bringing home the first run of the game. Mount Marty continued to build momentum, adding two more runs in the third inning thanks to hits from Kayleen Jacinto and Autumn Porter.
Throughout the game, Mount Marty's offense displayed their versatility and determination, tallying a total of nine hits. Reese Peterson led the charge with a standout performance, contributing both offensively and defensively with key hits and solid fielding. Raegan Harper and Sami Noble contributed to the offensive success with their hits, while Olivia Valdez tallied one hit, one walk, and one RBI for the Lancers.
Defensively, Mount Marty remained steadfast, holding off the Tigers' attempts to rally until the final inning. Despite a late surge from Doane University in the bottom of the seventh, highlighted by a two-run homer from K. Hays, the Lancers maintained their composure to secure the win.
Game Two:
The Mount Marty University Lancers fell in a hard fought battle against the Doane University Tigers in the second game of the doubleheader, ultimately losing 6-8.
The game got off to an intense start, with Mount Marty taking an early lead in the first inning. Raegan Harper's walk and subsequent advance to second set the stage for a series of events that saw the Lancers score two runs, courtesy of hits from Autumn Porter and Sami Noble.
However, Doane quickly responded in the bottom of the first, capitalizing on opportunities to score four runs, fueled by timely hits from G. Dowding and M. Marquez.
Mount Marty fought back in the third inning, reclaiming the lead with three runs of their own. Kayleen Jacinto's RBI single and subsequent walks to Reese Peterson and Sami Noble helped the Lancers regain momentum, putting them ahead 6-4.
The game remained tight until the fifth inning when Doane surged ahead and capitalized on Mount Marty defensive errors, scoring three runs to take an 8-6 lead. The Lancers attempted to mount a comeback in the later innings but couldn't overcome Doane's strong defense. Makayla Graunke was the starting pitcher for game two against Doane, as she pitched five innings allowing nine hits, four walks, and striking out one. Freshman Jacey Hayen came in for relief, as she allowed zero hits, walked one, and struck out two batters.
"We are excited to be going to the conference tournament and will find out later tonight who we will be playing and where it will be. The team achieved our 20th win of the season, which has only been done four other times in program history. I am looking forward to see what else this team can accomplish!" -Kayla Bryant | Head Coach
