The Charger softball team split a pair of games on Friday night at the American State Bank Sports Complex, falling to Valley City State 4-2 before rebounding with an 8-1 victory over Mayville State.
Valley City State struck first in the opening inning with a solo home run from Deeke to take an early 1-0 lead. The Chargers responded in the bottom of the second when
Brooke Oppliger singled to left field to even the score at one.
Briar Cliff took its first lead of the game in the third inning as
Lauryn Mattox delivered a sacrifice fly to bring home a run, giving BCU a 2-1 advantage. However, Valley City State regained control in the fifth, plating two runs and moving ahead 4-2.
Grace Batcheller took the loss in the circle for Briar Cliff, allowing three runs on eight hits over four and one-third innings.
Offensively,
Sydney Ebel paced the Chargers with a 2-for-3 performance, while Mattox drove in one run.
Elizabeth Austin drew three walks as the Chargers showed patience at the plate, collecting six free passes as a team.
Defensively, the Chargers were flawless, committing no errors, with
Kaela Persico leading the way with nine defensive chances.
Game 2 vs. Mayville State – W 8-1
Briar Cliff bounced back in game two behind a standout performance from
Sydney Mennenga, who drove in four runs on two hits. Mayville State opened the scoring in the third inning, but the Chargers quickly answered in the fourth.
Mennenga delivered a clutch two-run double to put Briar Cliff in front, and
Kenadee Loew followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1. The Chargers continued to build their lead and pulled away for the 8-1 win.
Mattox earned the win in the circle, allowing just one run on four hits over six innings while striking out six and walking one.
The Chargers finished with 12 hits in the nightcap, led by
Emily Daprato, who went 3-for-4. Mattox added two hits, while Briar Cliff also swiped three bases and turned a double play defensively.
BCU returns to action Saturday, February 22, taking on Mayville State and Dakota State. Game times are set for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
