The Kansas City Kansas Community College softball team (10-8) took both games against North Dakota State College of Science (11-7) 6-5 and 11-2 Mar. 12 in Kansas City, Kan. The Blue Devils trailed 5-0 in Game 1 and responded with six straight runs to take the win in extra innings.
In the first game, Liberty Hawks emerged as a standout performer, delivering a strong offensive display with two hits, one of them being a triple. With her consistent hitting contribution, she now leads the team with an average of .474. Adrianna Smith made significant contributions from behind the plate, recording one hit and driving in two RBIs. Her timely hitting with runners in scoring position proved crucial in driving the team's offensive output. McKenna Lester provided offensive support with one hit and one RBI, showcasing her ability to contribute to the team's run production. Kloey Dawes demonstrated her offensive capabilities with two hits and one RBI, adding to the team's scoring efforts. Gabrielle King contributed defensively and recorded one hit, adding to the team's offensive output.
Alyssa Droge set a new career-high in strikeouts with an outstanding 12 strikeouts in the 34 batters she faced in eight innings. She had two earned runs off nine hits and zero walks.
In game two, Hawks once again delivered a standout performance, leading the team with two hits and an outstanding four RBIs. Her offensive firepower propelled the team's scoring surge, showcasing her ability to drive in runs in crucial situations. Sydney Becker was instrumental in the team's success, recording a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with two hits, two runs scored, one RBI and hit the game winning sac fly in the bottom of the fifth inning. Lester contributed offensively with two hits and three RBIs, showcasing her ability to deliver in key moments. Smith made significant contributions from the designated player position, recording one hit and two RBIs while drawing two walks. Hanna Acree provided stability on the mound and contributed offensively with two hits and one run. Her all-around performance highlighted her versatility and impact on both sides of the game. Dawes showcased her offensive capabilities with a hit and two walks, contributing to the team's scoring opportunities. Her patience at the plate and ability to get on base were crucial to sustaining offensive rallies.
Acree threw for all five innings and let two Wildcats score from their five hits. She also recorded one strikeout.
The next game for the Blue Devils is against North Iowa Area Community College at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Mar. 16 in Kansas City, Kan.