The North Platte Community College Knights softball team split a double header against Adams State University Grizzlies Junior Varsity on Friday at Alamosa, Colorado, losing the first game 13 – 4, and winning the nightcap 11 – 10.
In the first game the Knights started off the game with walks by Sara Villalobos and Brittney Odum. Sara Runia reached on a fielder’s choice. Villalobos scored on an error by the Griizzlies’ third baseman April Riggins. The Grizzlies answered back in their half of the first by scoring two runs.
After pushing across two runs in the top of the fourth, the Knights faced just a 6-4 deficit. A groundout by Caroline Motis and an RBI single by Odum triggered the Knights’ comeback. Shannon Lieber lined to center to end the Knights threat.
Adams State JV answered with seven runs of its own in the fourth. Adams State JV scored on an RBI single by Amy Pender, a two-run error, a sacrifice fly by Briana Rodriguez, an RBI single by Schulyer Adkins, an RBI single by Alexandria Quintana, and an RBI triple by April Riggins.
Lieber took the loss for the Knights pitching four innings and allowing seven earned runs.
Tara Crouch led the Knights offensively by reaching base twice and scoring two runs. Crouch tripled and walked.
In the second game Runia clubbed two home runs to carry the Knights to an 11-10 win over Adams State JV in seven innings.
Each team blasted the other’s pitching, and there were 21 total runs and 22 hits during the game.
The teams traded runs for most of the contest, leading to eight lead changes in the game.
The Knights pulled out the win thanks to a strong fifth inning. The Knights scored on a three-run double by Shelby Clark off Kaitlin Hoffmann, bringing home Villalobos, Runia and Andrea Quiroga.
The Knights were sparked by Villalobos and Runia, who teamed up for seven hits and four RBI.
Baileigh Oleson pitched seven innings to get the win for the Knights. Oleson struck out three and allowed six earned runs.
The Knights are now 2 – 10 on the season. They will face Colby Community College on Sunday March 8 at home. Game times are at noon and 2:00 p.m. CDT. The game may be seen on www.coachesaid.com.