Big Inning Gives Dana Split With NWU

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April 28, 2010

Dana College scored five runs in the third inning of game two to win the second game 6-2 after Nebraska Wesleyan had won game one, 2-1, as the two teams split a GPAC Softball doubleheader on Wednesday night (Apr. 28) in Blair, Neb.

NWU (25-9, 16-4 GPAC), playing without their top pitcher and top RBI producer, got an outstanding pitching performance from freshman Abby Wilmes in game one. Wilmes allowed just two hits and no earned runs while striking out six to get the victory in the first game.

The Prairie Wolves scored a run in the first inning as Marcia Kennedy drove in Dani Bryant on an RBI groundout. In the third inning, Kennedy drove a double over the left fielder's head to bring in Bryant with the second run of the game and that is all Wilmes would need for the win.

NWU had only four hits and also left eight runners on base. Heather Stang, Anna Brownell, Kennedy and Bryant accounted for all the hits. Bryant also had two stolen bases to bring her season total to 34 which ties the NWU single season record.

In game two, Dana struck for one run in the bottom of the second. NWU responded with one in the top of the third as two leadoff walks set the table for Bryant who doubled down the left field line to drive in Heather Stang.

The bottom of the third was the nightmare for NWU as the Vikings (13-16, 8-10 GPAC) pounded out six hits, including a three-run home run by pitcher Paige Lager as Dana scored five in the inning.

Nebraska Wesleyan scored one back in the top of the fourth on an error by Dana, but that is all they could get the rest of the game. Lager shut down the Prairie Wolves allowing six hits with six strikeouts, while stranding six NWU runners on base.

Brenna Maguire got the loss allowing nine hits and five earned runs in the first three innings. Wilmes came in to pitch the final three innings and allowed just two hits and no runs.

Nebraska Wesleyan finally has a day off after playing four doubleheaders in four straight days. The Prairie Wolves close out the regular season this weekend with a home doubleheader on Friday (Apr. 30) against Briar Cliff, followed by a trip to GPAC leader Morningside College on Saturday.