(Peru, Neb.) – The Peru State softball team dropped a pair of Heart of America Athletic Conference games in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday at the hands of the Avila University Eagles.
The Eagles took the first game 1-0 and then completed the sweep with a 6-1 win in game two.
With the wins, Avila moved back into second place in the Heart with an 11-5 mark in conference play and is now 25-9-1 overall. The Bobcats are 10-26 overall and 2-12 in the conference. With four games remaining in conference action, the 'Cats do still have a mathematical chance of making it into the post-season tourney. However, the road will be tough as Peru State has to play the first- and third-place teams in the league.
Game One Action It was definitely a pitcher's duel in the first game between the two teams. Unfortunately for Peru State, even though they outhit the Eagles, an error in the bottom of the sixth inning allowed an Avila base runner aboard to start the inning. Avila was able to push across the lone run of the game for the win.
Nicole Reznicek tossed a one-hitter, but still
lost the game 1-0 The Bobcats nearly had a two-out rally in the top of the seventh, but could not capitalize on having runners in scoring position.
Avila scored their lone run on just one hit and did not commit any errors. The 'Cats managed three hits but also had two errors.
Molly Holbrook (Lincoln), Cheyenne Dalrymple (Stockton, Calif.), and
Jenna Gruber (Lincoln) each had one hit for Peru State.
Nicole Reznicek had one of her best performances on the mound in recent games, but was still tagged for the loss. Reznicek allowed just one hit and struck out four.
Game Two Action Avila took an early lead and then built on it in the first four innings on their way to a 6-1 win. The Eagles scored two in the first, one in the second, two in the third, and one in the fourth to lead 6-0 before the Bobcats could get on the board.
It would be the top of the sixth when Peru State would score its lone run of the day. After an out, Holbrook reached on a walk and went to second when Dalrymple also reached on a walk. On a ground out, both base runners advanced.
Meghan McPolin (Orland Park, Ill.) singled to left to drive in Holbrook for the Bobcats' only run.
Kayla Guerrero had two hits for Peru State
in the second gameAvila scored their six runs on nine hits and had one error. The 'Cats scored their lone run on five hits and also had one error.
Kayla Guerrero (Omaha) had two hits to lead Peru State while
Halle Holloway (Waco), McPolin, and Gruber each added one. McPolin was credited with the RBI.
Lauren Johnson (Seward) was on the hill for Peru State and suffered the loss after throwing a complete game. Johnson allowed nine hits, six runs – four earned, and struck out one.
Upcoming Games Peru State has six regular season games remaining on the schedule. On Wednesday, the Bobcats are traveling to Fremont to face Midland University in their final non-conference action. The double header with the Warriors is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Midland is currently 18-19 on the season after sweeping Concordia University on Tuesday.
On Friday, the 'Cats will play their make-up double header with Benedictine University at the Centennial Complex Field beginning at 1 p.m. Presently, the Ravens are 21-12 overall and are 8-4 in conference play.
Central Methodist University will be the opponent on Saturday when Peru State travels to Fayette, Mo., to face the Eagles in a double header scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. The Eagles are eighth-ranked and have won 24 games in a row. Presently, Central Methodist is 35-6 overall and are undefeated in conference play with a 16-0 mark.
