(Peru, Neb.) – After dropping the first game of a double header, the Bobcat softball team rallied for a 3-1 second game split to game the series split with the visiting Evangel (Mo.) Crusader team on Friday.
 
With the split, the 'Cats record is now 7-21 overall and 2-12 in the Heart North. Evangel's record is now 8-18 on the season and 4-10 in the Heart South.
 
Game One Action
 
Peru State struck first in the game in the bottom of the first inning. After an out, Regan Kirby (Gretna) doubled down the left field line. On a passed ball, Kirby advanced to third. On a ground out, Kirby was able to score to give the 'Cats a 1-0 lead.

 
Evangel scored two in the two of the second, three in the top of the fourth, and added two more in the top of the fifth to lead 7-1 at that point.
 
In the bottom of the fifth, after an out, Morgan Ritchie (Lincoln) singled to right-center and went to second when Taylor Moya (Keenesburg, Colo.) singled to shallow right. Alexis Paulo-Meyers (Waianae, Hawaii) singled up the middle to load the bases. Kirby singled to drive in Ritchie, but that was the only run Peru State could muster as they left the bases load.
 
In the top of the seventh, the Crusaders added two more runs to increase their lead to 9-2.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, Ritchie singled to right to start the inning. After an out, Paulo-Meyers hit a two-run home run over the center field fence on a 3-2 count to make the score to 9-4 which ultimately was the final score.
 
Evangel scored their nine runs on 14 hits and did not commit any errors. The Bobcats scored their four runs on seven hits and had two errors.
 
Paulo-Meyers, Kirby, and Ritchie each had two hits for the Bobcats with Paulo-Meyers credited with two RBI.
 
Ritchie tossed a complete game and suffered the loss. She allowed 14 hits, nine runs – eight earned, and struck out three.

EVANGEL GAME ONE GAME BOOK
 
Second Game Action
 
It was pitcher's duel in the second game. Neither team scored for the first five innings and really did not have many opportunities to do so.
 
In the bottom of the sixth, Paulo-Meyers hit a solo home run over the center field fence to put Peru State up 1-0.

 
Evangel would take the lead with two runs in the top of the seventh forcing the Bobcats to try to win in the bottom of the final frame.
 
Sandy Garcia (Strasburg, Colo.) reached on an error. After an out, Elizabeth Nelson (Adams) hit a two-run home run on a 1-1 count for the walk-off Peru State win. It was Nelson's first home run of her Bobcat career.
 
Peru State scored its three runs on just three hits and committed four errors. The Crusaders scored their lone run on five hits and had one miscue.
 
Paulo-Meyers, Tyler Farrell (Brandon, Fla.), and Nelson each had one hit with Nelson having two RBI and Paulo-Meyers one.
 
Megan Hartman (Lincoln) earned the win by tossing a complete game. Hartman allowed five hits, one earned run, and struck out five.

EVANGEL GAME TWO GAME BOOK
 
Upcoming Games
 
On Saturday, the Bobcats hosted Missouri Valley in a double header beginning at noon. The Vikings came into the contest with an 8-18 mark and 0-14 in the Heart South.
 
The Tuesday following Easter, the 'Cats are scheduled to host Grand View (Iowa) in a double header scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. if Mother Nature permits and it doesn't snow several inches. The Vikings, who are receiving votes in the most recent coaches' poll, are 19-5 overall and are 9-3 in the Heart North. Grand View is on a six-game winning streak.
 
Next weekend, the 'Cats will go on their long road trip to eastern Iowa and will gave Mount Mercy on Saturday and Clarke on Sunday.