Broncho Softball Dominates at Washburn Invitational

The UCO Softball team went 2-0 this past weekend, taking down Minnesota State 4-2 before taking the 12-0 run-rule against Rockhurst at the Washburn Invitational.

Central is now 13-4 on the season.

Jenna Jobe led the charge with a two-run double against Minnesota State. This gave them an early 3-0 lead in the third inning.

Jobe said that sometimes finding consistency in softball is difficult. “I focus on looking for base hits and try to keep my game plan simple when battling.”

In the fifth and sixth innings, the Mavericks scored single runs to make the score 3-2. 

Sherri Mason answered in the seventh with a two-out RBI that scored Hannah Demoff, extending the lead to 4-2.

Shelby Beard led the defense, striking out five in the first four innings while giving up six hits. 

“Our defense made some big plays behind me this past weekend, and this allowed me to pitch more freely,” said Beard. 

She added that trusting her teammates behind her and using the wind to her advantage contributed to her strong performance.

Relief pitcher Carleigh Kinnaird delivered in the fifth inning, when the team needed it most. With one out and two runners on base, she struck out two straight batters to end the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, Kinnaird ended the game with a strikeout and a flyout. 

The freshman only gave up one hit and one run and recorded four strikeouts in two innings.

The strong offense continued Sunday against Rockhurst. 

The Bronchos scored five runs in the first inning to set the pace. 

Brooklyn Ryan hit a one-out double and scored on a two-out single from Kennedy Clark. 

Jobe and Hannah Demoff hit a double and a single, respectively, to score Clark. 

After a double from Mason, the score was 5-0.

Mason said that when the offense is clicking, the energy and defense just follow. “When the team has more fun, they start making bigger plays.”

Beard was dominant once again on Sunday, striking out six with only one base hit. 

Madison Hamilton also saw the field for two innings with one strikeout and two hits.

After a scoreless second inning, Mason started the third off with a double. 

Rylee Anglen laid down a sacrifice bunt, advancing Mason to third. 

UCO capitalized on Rockhurst errors, adding three more runs to blow the game open.

Mason, Anglen, and Ryan made their way home to extend the lead to 8-0.

Mackenzie Fithian advanced to third after the throwing error that allowed Ryan to score. After a wild pitch, Fithian scored the ninth run.

In the fourth, Mason had another double to start the inning. Rylee Lemos had a single that allowed Mason to make it home. 

Brooklyn Lyles sealed the victory with a two-run home run, securing the 12-0 shutout.

The Bronchos head back to Kansas for the five-game Midwest College Classic, this Friday through Sunday.