Softball Survives to Take Opener from NWU

LINCOLN, Neb. – Doane used a fast start and timely hitting to secure a 7-6 victory over Nebraska Wesleyan in game one of Wednesday's nonconference doubleheader at Sandhills Global.

The Tigers improved to 12-10 on the season, building an early cushion and holding off a late Prairie Wolves rally.

Doane wasted no time jumping on the board, plating four runs in the opening inning. Milannie Gonzalez ignited the rally with a leadoff single and later scored on an RBI hit from Bri True. The Tigers continued to apply pressure as Jeryn Allen delivered an RBI single, Jaiden Papik drew a bases-loaded walk, and Jacqueline Ordonez added another RBI knock to cap the four-run frame.

Nebraska Wesleyan (8-9) answered with an unearned run in the second, but Doane pushed its lead to 5-1 in the third. After a single by Addison Parsons and a stolen base from Lexi Adams, Katelyn Hays brought home the run with a sacrifice bunt.

The Prairie Wolves rallied in the fourth inning, scoring three times to trim the deficit to 5-4, capitalizing on a mix of hits and Doane miscues.

Doane responded with two key insurance runs in the sixth. Hays sparked the inning with a double to right center and later scored, while Allen reached base and contributed to the scoring opportunity as the Tigers extended the lead to 7-4.

Nebraska Wesleyan made a final push in the bottom of the sixth with two runs and loaded the bases in the seventh with no outs, but Doane held firm to secure the win.

At the plate, Gonzalez and Allen led the Tigers with three hits apiece, while Hays added two hits, including a double, and scored twice. Doane finished with 11 hits in the contest.

In the circle, Trinity Robinson made the start, allowing two runs (one earned) over three innings. True picked up the win in relief, tossing two innings, while Lauren Dick closed the game to earn the save.

Doane will look to complete the sweep as the Tigers continue the doubleheader with Nebraska Wesleyan.

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