Home Runs Lift Softball to Walk Off Win

CRETE, Neb. – Doane softball delivered one of its most complete offensive performances of the season on Saturday, knocking off GPAC leader Dordt, 13-10, in game one of a conference doubleheader at the Doane Ballfield Complex.

The Tigers pounded out 15 hits and overcame an early deficit, using multiple big innings and timely power hitting to secure the victory.

Dordt struck first in the opening inning, taking advantage of a leadoff double and an RBI two-base hit from Annabelle Hensley to grab a 1-0 lead. The Defenders extended their advantage in the second inning, scoring four runs highlighted by a two-run home run from Chloe Kreuz to push the margin to 5-0.

Despite the early hole, Doane responded in the third inning after Dordt added a run in the top of the inning. Jeryn Allen ignited the rally with a double, and after a walk and stolen bases put two runners in scoring position, Addison Parsons delivered a three-run home run to center field to cut the deficit to 6-3.

In the fourth inning, Doane capitalized on walks and aggressive baserunning before Bri True lined a two-run single up the middle to bring the Tigers within 6-5.

The momentum stayed with Doane in the fifth inning. Ciara Hudson drove in a run with a single, and another run scored on a wild pitch as Doane took its first lead at 7-6.

After a walk and a fielder's choice, Evelyn Iniguez singled up the middle to score Bri True and give the Tigers an 8-6 advantage in the sixth inning.

Dordt answered in the seventh, scoring four runs on an RBI double and a three-run home run from Aubrey DeShaw to reclaim an 10-8 lead.

The Tigers, however, had the final response.

In the bottom of the seventh, Milannie Gonzalez led off with a single before Hudson blasted a two-run home run to tie the game at 10-10. After additional baserunners reached, Parsons delivered again with her second home run of the game—a three-run shot off the left field foul pole—to complete the comeback and secure the 13-10 win.

Parsons led Doane with two home runs and six RBIs, while Hudson finished with three hits and three RBIs, including the game-tying homer in the seventh. Allen added three hits and three runs scored at the top of the lineup, and Hays contributed a pair of doubles.

In the circle, Trinity Robinson started and allowed six runs over three innings. Faith McDonald earned the win in relief, tossing four innings and allowing four runs while shutting down Dordt across the middle innings to keep Doane within striking distance.

Doane (17-13, 4-3 GPAC) will look to complete the doubleheader sweep against Dordt (25-7, 6-1 GPAC) in game two later in the afternoon.

(generated by ChatGPT)