WNCC softball team splits with Lamar

Ashton Hughes

               LAMAR, Colo., -- The Western Nebraska Community College softball team split a Region IX doubleheader against Lamar Community College on Saturday at Lamar, Colo.

               The Cougars received a 13-strike-out pitching performance from Ashton Hughes as the Cougars rolled to an 8-2 win in the first game. The second game, however, the Cougar bats were silent, managing just three hits in falling to the Lopes 2-1.

               The loss drops the Cougars to 26-7 and 10-2 in regional play. The second-game loss also snapped a 15-game winning streak for the No. 18 Cougars.

               The first game, however, was all WNCC. Hughes had another sparkling performance in the circle scattering five hits while striking out 13. Lamar scored their two runs with single digits in the fifth and sixth inning.

               By then, WNCC had a firm control on the contest. The Cougars scored twice in the first and then added two runs each in the fourth, fifth and the seventh innings.

               WNCC managed 10 hits in the contest. Sarah Hawryluk continued her torrid hitting from the lead-off spot, going 4-for-4 and coming a home run shy of hitting for the cycle. Hawryluk finished with three runs scored, two doubles, a triple, a single and a stolen base.

               Also collecting multiple hits were Megan Bourdon and Jocelyn Stubbs, each going 2-for-3. Bourdon had two runs scored and two doubles, while Stubbs ahd a double and a run scored. Bree Bitton had the only other extra base hit with a double.

               The second game proved to be a pitcher's duel. Amanda Jones tossed a brilliant game, giving up two runs on four hits. Lamar scored single runs i the third and sixth innings against Jones, who walked one and struck out two.

               Offensively, WNCC managed just three hits. The Cougars, however, started a comeback in the seventh inning. Jordan Schoepflin earned a one-out walk and then scored on a triple by Stubbs. The Cougars couldn't scratch across the tying run in falling for the first time in 15 games.

               Stubbs, Jacqui Cappuccilli and Hawryluk each recorded a hit for the Cougars.

               WNCC will be back in action Sunday when they travel to take on Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kan.

First Game

WNCC                  200 220 2 -- 8 10 0

Lamar                   000 011 0 -- 2 5 2

WP -- Ashton Hughes; 2B -- Sarah Hawryluk 2, Megan Bourdon 2, Jocelyn Stubbs, Bree Bitton.

Second Game

WNCC (26-7)      000 000 1 -- 1 3 2

Lamar                   001 001 x -- 2 4 0

LP -- Amanda Jones; 3B -- Stubbs.