(Peru, Neb.) – The Peru State softball team had potential wins in their grasp in their double header in Winfield, Kan., Thursday afternoon. However, the Southwestern Moundbuilders snatched away both games in the last inning of each game.
 
Southwestern won the first game 5-3 and then took the night cap 6-5. The Moundbuilders improved to 6-6 on the year. The 'Cats fell to 1-7.
 
First Game Action
 
Peru State scored all of its runs in the top of the second and held the lead until the fifth inning.

 
In the top of the second, Morgan Ritchie (Lincoln) singled to right-center to start the frame. Ritchie was then forced out as Alyiah Franco (Syracuse, Utah) reached on a fielder's choice. Franco would then steal second. Regan Kirby (Gretna) reached on a walk. Alena Montoya (Lakewood, Colo.) doubled to deep right-center to drive in Franco with Kirby stopping at third. After the second out, Takia Walker (Enterprise, Ala.) singled to short with both Kirby and Montoya scoring to put the Bobcats up 3-0.
 
Southwestern would score two in the bottom of the third to cut Peru State's lead to one. The Moundbuilders would take the lead in the bottom of the fifth by plating three to go up 5-3.
 
In the top of the seventh, the Bobcats would leave the bases loaded without scoring as Southwestern held Peru State off for their first game win.
 
Southwestern scored their five runs on eight hits and committed one error. Peru State scored their three runs on five hits and had two miscues.
 
Five Bobcats each had one hit apiece – Walker, Tyler Farrell (Brandon, Fla.), Ritchie, Kirby, and Montoya. Walker was credited with two RBI while Montoya added one.
 
Alana Krieser (Lincoln) suffered the loss. Krieser tossed six innings. She allowed eight hits, two earned runs, and struck out two.

SOUTHWESTERN BOX SCORE
 
Second Game Action
 
The Moundbuilders would score first in the bottom of first inning as they plated one.
 
Peru State would not get on the scoreboard until the top of the fourth. Ally Hazen (North Platte) doubled to deep right-center. Ritchie would single to left to dive in Hazen. Franco hit a sacrifice bunt to move Ritchie to second. Kirby singled to left-center with Ritchie stopping at third. Kirby would steal second. Montoya followed with a single to shallow right to drive in Ritchie. That would give the 'Cats a 2-1 lead, although they left two on base.
 
Southwestern would come back to knot the game in the bottom of the fourth at 2-2.
 
In the top of the fifth, the Bobcats would regain the lead. Jordyn Jimenez (Delano, Calif.) singled to shallow left to start the inning. On a ground out, Jimenez advanced to second. Hazen followed with a single to drive in Jimenez. Ritchie stepped to the plate and hit a two-run home run over the left field fence on a the first pitch. Peru State would again leave base runners aboard, but led 5-2 at that point.

 
The Moundbuilders would get one run back in the bottom of the sixth to cut the score to 5-3. In the bottom of the seventh, Southwestern managed to score three runs while being aided by three errors by Peru State to get the 6-5 win.
 
Southwestern scored their six runs on ten hits and committed three errors. Peru State scored their five runs on 13 hits and had four miscues.
 
Ritchie led the Bobcat hitters going three for four. Farrell, Hazen, Kirby, and Montoya each had two hits. Ritchie led the team with three RBI while Hazen and Montoya each were credited with one.
 
Ritchie was on the mound for Peru State and was tagged for the complete-game loss. She allowed ten hits, six runs – two earned, and struck out two.

SOUTHWESTERN GAME BOOK
 
Upcoming Games
 
Peru State is scheduled to start its Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) action next Tuesday against Baker in Baldwin City, Kan. There is a possibility the site of the game will be moved. Game time is presently set for 3 p.m. The Wildcats have started the season with a 10-2 record.
 
The Bobcats are scheduled to have their home opener on St. Patrick's Day, but that is highly unlikely to occur with the amount of snow and ice on the field. Hastings is scheduled to be the opponent.
 
Peru State fans should watch the College's athletic website – www.pscbobcats.com or follow the athletic twitter - @pscbobcats – for spring schedule updates.