Softball Wins in Extra Innings

Softball needed extra innings to pick up a split with Sterling (Kan.) on Tuesday afternoon, winning the second game of the doubleheader, 8-6 in nine innings. The Tigers are 6-3 after their road trip to Kansas.

Sterling took an early lead, scoring a single run in the second inning and adding two in the third inning. Doane came back with a run in the fourth as Ciara Hudson singled to drive in Jeryn Allen. In the fifth inning, Milannie Gonzalez scored on an error and Faith Molina scored on a double by Marisa Marquez to tie the game at 3-all.

In the bottom of the fifth, Sterling regained a 4-3 lead as an error allowed a run to score. Doane tied the game in the top of the sixth on a double by Faith McDonald to plate Allen.

With the tie-break rule in effect in extra innings, placing a runner at second base to start the frame, Doane was able to score two runs in the eighth inning. An error allowed Anna Prauner and Allen to score, giving the Tigers a 6-4 lead. Sterling tied the game in the bottom of the eighth but left the winning run on third base.

In the ninth inning, Doane regained the lead as Lexi Alaniz-Diaz scored on a passed ball. Gonzalez scored an insurance run for the Tigers on a squeeze bunt by Molina.

Doane had 12 hits in the second game, three apiece from Gonzalez and Hudson. Allen led the team with three runs scored and Gonzalez scored twice. Doane had four RBI in the game, one apiece from Molina, Marquez, Hudson, and McDonald.

Abbi Arroyo started in the circle for the Tigers and went 3.0 innings, allowing three runs on four hits. Faith McDonald threw the next two innings before giving way to Molina. Molina went 2.0 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit and two walks while striking out three. McDonald re-entered the game in the eighth inning with the bases loaded but limited the damage as she earned the win. She finished with 4.0 innings combined, allowing two hits, one unearned run, and struck out one batter.

The Tigers will return to Wichita, Kansas, on Saturday, March 1, when they take part in the Friends Invite.