(Peru, Neb.)- The Peru State Softball Team opened their season at the ASB Sports Complex Softball Classic on February 7th and 8th. The Bobcats defeated the Waldorf Warriors on Saturday, as they ended the weekend 1-3.
Game 1 (Peru State 0 – Morningside 11)
The Bobcats' offense managing three hits. Kylee Dieckmann led the team with a single hit, while Jami Mans had a strong showing at the plate, recording two hits in the contest.
Chubbuck pitched allowing just two hits and three runs in her outing. Sage Issacs and Emily Vannatta each took the mound for two innings. Both pitchers had one strikeout apiece. Despite their best efforts, Issacs and Vannatta could not completely shut down the Mustangs.
Game 2 (Peru State 0 – Mount Marty 8)
Despite a few bright spots, including solid a couple of key hits, Peru State couldn't find their rhythm. The team was limited to just two hits throughout the contest, with Jami Mans and Leann Hawkins each contributing one. Emily Vannatta was one of the few players to find success at the plate, tallying two hits and scoring one run, but the offense couldn't generate enough momentum to rally.
Sidney Chubbuck started in the circle for the Bobcats, allowing six hits and five runs in 4.2 innings of work. While Chubbuck showed resilience at times, she was unable to keep Mount Marty's offense in check, which led to the Lancers building an early lead. Emberlyn Medsker relieved Chubbuck and pitched 2.1 innings, allowing only one hit and one run while striking out one.
Game 3 (Peru State 6 – Waldorf 5)
Peru State College Bobcats edged out the Waldorf team with a final score of 6-5.
The Bobcats started strong in the first game on Saturday. The team had 10 hits with players, Kylee Dieckmann, Jami Mans, Kloey Hamblen, and Kaylee Harsh contributed to the scoring, ensuring the team maintained competitive momentum throughout the game. Notably, Leann Hawkins and Reagan Wiehe, alongside the Hamblen sisters, delivered crucial RBIs that significantly impacted the game's outcome.
Emily Vannatta started as pitcher for Peru State, providing stability on the mound. However, it was the strategic playing in the final innings that clinched the win for the Bobcats, highlighted by a game-changing last-inning double from Kaelyn. Hamblen and impressive double plays from Eva Schultz and Leann Hawkins.
Game 4 (Peru State 4 – Dordt 9)
The Peru State Bobcats softball team suffered a tough 4-9 loss to Dordt on Friday, despite a solid offensive effort that produced 10 hits. The Bobcats struck first in the second inning when Cass Sipek delivered a clutch double to bring Leann Hawkins home for the Bobcats first run of the game. Moments later, Kaelyn Hamblen followed with a single to left field, allowing Sipek to score. The third inning featured another strong push from Peru State. With one out, Kloey Hamblen hit a single to center field, allowing Jami Mans to score, and then Cassidy Sipek singled to bring Hamblen home.
Sage Issacs started the game for the Bobcats, striking out two Dordt batters and allowing seven hits and eight runs. Although she struggled with defensive lapses, Issacs worked hard to keep the team in the game. In the fourth inning, Emily Vannatta took over as pitcher and threw 4.2 innings, striking out two while allowing just one run and six hits, showing her ability to limit the Dordt offense.
Next: The Bobcats will be on the road to Kansas City, Missouri on February 28th for the Midwest College Classic. They will play Briar Cliff at 1:30 p.m. and Concordia at 4:00 p.m.
