The NMHU Softball team lost both games of their first home double header against the Mountain Lions of the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, on 3/31, at Brandt Field. The Mountain Lions jumped out to an early lead on their way to a 5-0 win in game one. In game two, the Mountain Lions jumped out to an early lead again and although the Cowgirls rallied for two runs late, UCCS was victorious 6-2 in seven innings. With the losses against the Mountain Lions, the Cowgirls, led by Head Coach Shellie Broyles, fall to an 11-15 record in the RMAC and 17-21 in overall play.
UCCS got off to a quick start on Saturday, 3/31, scoring three runs in the first inning of game one. The Mountain Lions' defense was playing well and they held the Cowgirls' offense to a few hits through the first three innings. In the top of the fourth inning UCCS struck again with two runs off two hits to take a 5-0 lead. The Cowgirls' offense never got on track in game one, only able to combine for five hits in the game. The Mountain Lions were only able to muster six hits in the game but they were able to produce runs when they had the chance. When the game ended UCCS had won 5-0 in seven innings.
Jessica Brink (4-4) was credited with the loss in game one for the Cowgirls. She threw four innings from the pitcher's circle and faced 18 batters. Brink allowed five runs on five hits and struck out one batter.
Erica Wieck came in to relieve Brink to start the fifth inning. She managed to hold the Mountain Lions' offense in check in the three innings she pitched. Wieck faced 11 batters, struck out two, walked three and only allowed one hit.
The Mountain Lions jumped out to an early lead again in game two. They scored two runs in the first inning from one hit and a Cowgirls' error. The Cowgirls' offense was struggling all day against the UCCS pitching staff and the first three innings of game two were no different, as they only managed three hits with no runs scored. The Mountain Lions had a big fourth inning, scoring four runs on three hits and the Cowgirls' defense helped them out with another error.
The Cowgirls' offense finally got going in the bottom of the fourth inning. They combined for four hits and scored two runs in the inning.
Lynette Directo got the offensive scoring started with an RBI single that allowed
Jenelle Klassen to cross home plate from third base.
Tess Oliphant was the next batter and she drove in
Roxanne Avalos from third with her RBI single to right-center field. But after four innings of play the Mountain Lions still had the lead 6-2.
The Cowgirls returned to their offensive slump for the remainder of game two and UCCS came away with the 6-2 win in seven innings.
Erica Wieck (5-12) was credited with the loss in game two for the Cowgirls. She got the start in the pitcher's circle, throwing four innings and facing 27 batters. Wieck allowed six runs on eight hits, walked six batters, and struck out five.
Jessica Brink was brought on in the fifth inning to relieve Wieck. She threw three innings and faced 13 batters. Brink allowed six hits and struck out two batters in her game two relief appearance.
The Cowgirls' struggled on offense all day against the Mountain Lions. They really only were effective in the fourth inning of game two when they scored two runs on four hits. It was their only multi-hit inning of the entire day. They were hampered by having to play from behind in both games, as UCCS got a lead in the first inning each time.
The Cowgirls will continue their conference series against the Mountain Lions as they play the second double header on Sunday, 4/1. Game one is set for an 11 am start time. Game two will begin shortly after the completion of game one. If you can't make it out to Brandt Field to watch the Cowgirls in action, you can watch the Live Stats
HERE.
Click
HERE For Complete Game One Stats
Click
HERE For Complete Game Two Stats
GO COWGIRLS!!!
