Topeka, Kan.—Minnesota Crookston made a late charge in game one against Emporia State and struggled offensively against Fort Hays State in their final game down in Topeka, Kan.
With the two losses, the Golden Eagles fall to 6-10 on the season and will be off until March 16, when they travel down to the sunshine state for eight games.
Game One
The Golden Eagles jumped out to a fast start in the opening frame, scoring two runs on a triple in the right field gap from
Jordan Peterson (Jr., UT, Lakeville, Minn.), which scored
Cassie Querry (Jr., C, Cassville, Pa.) and Alina Avilos (Fr., P/1B, Riverside, Calif.).
The Hornets would score two runs in the top of the second, two in the fifth and two in the top of the seventh to take control of the game, leading 7-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh.
Minnesota Crookston wouldn't go away easily, as they scored two in the bottom of the seventh after a two RBI double from
Malia Pula (Sr., UT, Gilroy, Calif.), who continues her outstanding season.
As a team, the Golden Eagles had seven hits, led by
Gabriella Blomdahl (Fr., OF, Duluth, Minn.), who collected two hits on the day.
In the circle,
Paige Pitlick (Sr., P, Jordan, Minn.) was once again fantastic. Pitlick went five innings, allowing six hits, while striking out four Emporia State hitters.
Game Two
As was the case yesterday in both Golden Eagle games, game two was a pitching duel.
Fort Hays State would get on the board in the top of the fourth after a two-run homerun from Elise Capra.
The Tigers would then add an insurance run in the top of the sixth inning on a Golden Eagles error.
The Golden Eagles would get two hits from Avilos and
Leah Macias (So., OF, West Covina, Calif.) to help load the bases, but the Golden Eagles weren't able to scratch a run across, leaving three on the base paths.
As a team, the Golden Eagles had five hits, with one apiece from Avilos, Pula, Blomdahl and from the Macias twins.
Kamryn Frisk (Jr., P/1B, Anchorage, Ak.) picked up the loss, but was good, going four innings, giving up two runs on seven hits, both of which were earned.
The Golden Eagles are back in action on March 16 against Franklin Pierce University from Winter Haven, Fla.
