The Western Nebraska Community College and Trinidad State doubleheader Saturday featured nearly the entire spectrum of less then desirable spring weather, including strong winds, dipping temperatures, sprinkles, snow, sleet and bright sunshine.
The Cougars weathered the varied weather conditions in sweeping past the Trojans 11-1 in the first game and 10-2 in the second. The Cougars picked up the wins with an offensive attack that pounded out 23 hits as freshman Kelsey Garner picked up both wins. In the process of collecting her 20th win of the season, the right-handed flamethrower set a new school record for striketouts in a season with 155.
WNCC will continue it's homestand on Sunday with an important doubleheader with Otero Junior College at 2 p.m. The Cougars need to sweep or split with the Rattlers to have a chance to host the regional tournament. Otero comes in with a 21-1 conference record, while WNCC has a 16-1 conference record.
WNCC started its weekend homestand with a flurry of hits and a stifling defense in teh first game, plating 11 runs on 15 hits. Trinidad managed just one run on two hits, as Garner struck out six while facing just 17 batters in five innings of work.
Amanda Hensley started the Cougars offense with a triple in the first inning and then came around to score on an RBI single by Jessie McNabb, who was seeing her first action since she broke her jaw March 17.
The Trojans tied the game in the second inning, bot those would be the only hits for Trinidad State the remainder of the game as Garner would strike out five straight Trojan batters.
WNCC jumped back out in front in the bottom of the second as Kara Ryman opened the frame with a single and Lauryn Smith had an RBI bunt. Lauren Mills then delivered an RBI single followed by an RBI single by Hensley.
The Cougars continued their offensive power in the third inning as Ryman led off with a single. Smith followed with a double followed by Mandy Pounds loading the bases on a fielder's choice. Mills then brought two home on a single, Hensley plated two with a double, and McNabb finished off the scoring with a run-scoring single.
WNCC had two more runs in the fourth inning on run-scoring singles from Hensley and McNabb.
Hensley finished the game going 4-for-4, coming just a home run short of the cycle, hitting two singles, a double and a triple, while recording four RBIs and three runs scored. Also collecting multiple hits were Mills with a 3-for-4 day, including three RBIs; McNabb going 3-for-3 with three RBIs; Ryman going 2-for-2 with two runs scored; Smith going 2-for-2 with a double and two runs scored.
In game two, WNCC was just as impressive both offensively and defensively as all the sophomores got a chance to play on sophomore appreciation day. WNCC led 8-0 after two innings.
WNCC scored three runs in the first inning as Amanda Torimaru knocked in teh first on a single followed by a two RBI single from Ryman.
In the second inning, Smith led off with a double followed by a bunt single by Mandy Pounds. Mills. The Cougars continued to find ways on board in the inning. Torimaru had a bit hit, collecting a two-out two-RBI single and then Ryman blasted a RBI double for the 8-0 lead.
WNCC finished off the Trojans in the fifth inning. Whittany Foster led off with a double followed by Allie Griffin collecting a pinch-hit hit that that the Trinidad Fielder threw into right-field allowing Foster to score the game-ending run.
Hensley had another good game, despite not getting a hit. The 4-foot-11 catcher scored two runs and had two stolen bases, while getting walked twice. McNabb went 1-for-1 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI; Torimaru went 2-for-2 with four RBIs and two runs scored; Ryman went 2-for-2 with three RBIs; and Foster and Smith each had a double and run scored.
First Game
Trinidad 010 00 -- 1 2 2
WNCC 135 2x -- 11 15 0
WP -- Garner; 2B -- Hensley, Smith; 3B -- Hensley.
Second Game
Trinidad 002 00 -- 2 4 2
WNCC 350 11 -- 10 8 1
WP -- Garner; 2B -- McNabb, Ryman, Foster, Smith.
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