NEVADA, Mo. – The University of Saint Mary softball team began their 2020 campaign on Saturday as they played at Cottey College. The Spires kept pace early on in both games, but fell in both contests by scores of 8-2 and 12-4.
Saint Mary begins the year at 0-2 overall.
GAME 1
Saint Mary tied the score at one in the third inning of the first game after Hailey Reece scored on an error by Cottey with two outs. Saint Mary kept things going in the fourth inning with one out when Reghan Ross started a rally with a single, followed by another base hit from Meredith Amrhhein. Sierra Gerdts then knocked Ross in for the team to take a 2-1 lead.
Cottey was able to climb back however as they posted a three spot in the fourth and sixth innings. Saint Mary tried to mount a comeback in the seventh inning, but was unable to create offense.
GAME 2
Both teams traded one run apiece in the first inning of game two. Hazel Faz hit a huge double in the frame to advance Mekenzie Wright to third base after she reached on a walk. Alexis Solis then stepped up to the plate and hit a sacrifice fly ball to left field to give the Spires a 1-0 lead. Cottey found some momentum in the third inning posting seven runs to take an 8-1 lead.
The USM offense then found life in the fourth and fifth innings. Shannon Stovall scored in the fourth frame after Mara Davis reached base on an error. Then with two outs in the fifth inning Faz hit her first home run of the season to cut the deficit to 8-4. Cottey however was able to keep their offense going and ended the game in the fifth inning with a 12-4 lead.
INSIDE THE STATS:
- Seven different Spires had one hit in the first game.
- Faz led the team with two hits and two RBI in the second game.
- Shelby Mohler and Madalynn Woosley combined for five strikeouts in the circle.
- Wright led the offense with two runs scored on the day.
UP NEXT
Saint Mary continues their season when they travel to HAAC opponent Benedictine College on Tuesday. The doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m. in Atchison, Kan.
