WNCC softball sweeps Colby in doubleheader action

COLBY, Kan. – The Western Nebraska Community College softball team picked up two more wins by sweeping Colby Community College on Monday.

WNCC received a sixth-inning 2-run home run by Katie Groves to register a 6-5 first-game win. Kelsey Garner tossed a 3-hitter in powering the Cougars to a 3-0 win over Colby in the second game. It was the fourth straight time WNCC has defeated Colby, after topping the Trojans 11-0 and 14-0 on Sunday.

In the opener, WNCC scored a run in five of the seven innings, holding a 4-0 through five innings. Colby added two runs in the bottom of the fifth and three runs in the sixth inning. WNCC’s two sixth inning runs proved crucial.

Brittany Chacon led off the inning by drawing a walk. Then, Groves delivered her 13^th home run of the season as she took the first pitch over the fence. The blast proved to be the game-winner.

Casey Simpson picked up the win, going five innings, allowing two runs, four hits and striking out one. Kelsey Garner earned the save, throwing two innings while striking out three.

Groves paced the team with a 3-for-4 performance with two runs scored, two RBIs, two doubles and a home run. Kelly Pearson also went 3-for-4 with three singles, a run scored and a RBI.

Also for WNCC, Sofia Gomez was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while Megan Burditt had the other hit.

The second game was a little closer. WNCC scored three early runs and then rode the strong-arm pitching of Garner to pick up their 34^th win of the season. Garner struck out six and allowed just three hits in the contest.

WNCC opened the scoring early, scoring two first-inning runs. Groves led off with a single and later scored on an error. Adena Hagen followed with a double and scored on a Pearson single.

The Cougar’s lone run in the third inning started as Burditt reached on an error. Hagen then singled. Burditt then scored on a fielder’s choice hit by Pearson.

WNCC managed seven hits in the game. Hagen was the only Cougar with multiple hits. She was 3-for-4 with a runs scored, two singles and a double.

WNCC (34-16) will be back in action Wednesday when they face Hastings College junior varsity, followed by contests with Central Community College-Columbus on Thursday, Southeast Nebraska on Friday and then two to four games against a to-be-announced opponent on Saturday or Sunday.

First Game
WNCC 011 112 0 – 6 9
Colby 000 023 0 – 5 6
WP – Simpson, Save – Garner; 2B – WNCC (Groves 2, Gomez; HR – WNCC (Groves).

Second Game
WNCC (34-16) 201 000 0 – 3 7
Colby 000 000 0 – 0 3

WP – Garner; 2B – WNCC (Hagen).