Needing a doubleheader sweep to qualify for the GPAC Softball Postseason Tournament, the Nebraska Wesleyan softball team came up short as Mount Marty defeated the Prairie Wolves 4-1 in game two on Monday night (Apr. 30) at University Place Park in Lincoln. The Prairie Wolves did win game one, 8-4.
If Nebraska Wesleyan would have won both games they would have earned a spot in the tournament, but with the loss their season comes to a close with a 15-21 overall record and a 9-11 mark in the GPAC to finish ninth in the league standings.
Mount Marty, who picks up just their third GPAC win and fifth overall victory, broke up the scoreless game in the top of the fifth inning as Andrea Hansen hit a two run double with two outs on a ball that just got over the right fielders head.
NWU had just one hit in the first five innings, but looked to get it going in the sixth with the top of the order coming up. Dani Bryant led off with a single, but the next batter popped up. Becky Bomberger continued her hot hitting as she belted a triple over the right fielders head to cut the lead in half. Bomberger, however, would be stranded at third base as Lauren Bodfield and Megan Tieken both struck out.
The Lancers (5-33, 3-15 GPAC) added two more insurance runs in the top of the seventh and shutout NWU in the bottom of the inning to earn the win.
NWU had just three total hits in the second game and Megan Cottier took the loss on the mound.
Mount Marty also jumped ahead 3-0 in the first game as they hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the first.
NWU came back to score two in the bottom of the inning as Anna Brownell and Bodfield both had RBI singles.
The Prairie Wolves took the lead in the third as Megan Tieken hit a 2-run double and Kayla Randel drove in a run on a fielder's choice.
Bomberger delivered one final big blow in the bottom of the sixth with a 2-run home run to left field. She finished 2-4 with two RBI in the game.
Bodfield was 3-4 with two doubles, while Tieken was 2-4 with a double and three RBI.
Brenna Maguire got the win to improve to 8-11 allowing four earned runs, 11 hits with five strikeouts.
Three seniors Maguire, Bryant and Brownell all finished their successful careers on Monday.
