The North Platte Community College Knights softball team split a double header against the Colby Community College Lady Trojans on Sunday at the Dowhower Softball Complex.
The Knights won the opener 6 – 4 and were defeated in the nightcap 10 – 9 in eight innings.
In the first game, the Lady Trojans jumped out to an early lead off the bat of Collette West. West doubled in the first inning and scored to give the Lady Trojans a 1 – 0 lead. In the third inning the Lady Trojans hit back to back home runs by West and Rachel Van Gulick to take a 3 – 0 lead. The Knights ended the Lady Trojans rally after Hannah Charles singled and advanced Alix Johnson who reached on a walk. Britnee Higgs advanced the runners by sacricing them to second and third. Knights’ pitcher Baileigh Oleson struck out Alexandra Vigil to end the inning.
The Knights in their half of the third got their first run when Shannon Lieber reached second on an error by the Lady Trojans rightfielder, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on an error by the Lady Trojans leftfielder.
With the Knights trailing Sara Villalobos batted in three runs on a double, knocking in Audrie Connor, Shannon Lieber and Caroline Motis to make the score 6 – 4.
Brittney Odum of the Knights made a spectacular defensive play when she caught the ball at the deepest part of centerfield, which made her tumble to the ground. The Lady Trojans didn’t realize Odum had caught it and begin circling the bases and the Knights were able to double up the runner at first before she could get back.
Baileigh Oleson pitched six strong innings to pick up the win for the Knights.
In game two, the Lady Trojans took a 9 – 2 lead going into the seventh inning. The Knights rallied to tie the game at nine when Mehana Chang hit a three run homer.
The Lady Trojans were able to score in their half of the eighth. The Knights had the chance to score in their half of the eighth with Villalobos on second . Sara Runia reached first on an infield hit, which advanced Villalobos to third. Villalobos was thrown out at home when she attempted to score when Odum grounded out.
Knights Head coach Janelle Higgins said, “We fought hard all day. Game one we made adjustments towards the end of them game and finished strong. Game two we had a rough inning but came back in the 7th to show we weren’t giving in and came up short. To be down 7 going into the 7th it would have been easy to roll over and these girls showed how tough they are by stepping up.”
The Knights go to 3 – 11 on the season and will play Dawson Community College on Tuesday and Wednesday at home. Game times are at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. CDT on both days.
ESPN Radio 1410 and www.northplattepost.com will be broadcasting the games. The games may be viewed on www.coachesaid.com.