[Softball] (RV) Softball Falcons strike late vs. Dakota State to split final day of round-robin
WICHITA, Kan. – The (RV) Friends University Falcons scored three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to overcome a one-run deficit and win 7-3 over the Dakota State University Trojans in their final game of their annual round-robin today (Mar. 4) at Two Rivers Youth Complex. Earlier in the day, the Falcons were on the wrong end of a 1-0 pitcher's duel against the (RV) Mount Mercy University Mustangs despite outhitting the Mustangs 5-3.
"I'm grateful for the great softball weather and to have 16 NAIA teams travel to Wichita this weekend," said Friends head coach Suzanne Unruh. "Although our record doesn't show it, I feel like with only eight games in, we are doing great things as a program, and the best is yet to come!"
An RBI double by Laila Spracklen (SR/San Diego, Calif. ) put the Falcons ahead to stay in the fifth and Priscilla Mora (SO/Beaumont, Calif. ) followed with a run-scoring single that chased home pinch runner Angelina Mendoza (FR/Temecula, Calif.) for a 4-2 lead.
The Falcons then staged a two-out rally in the sixth when Carolyn Dallimore (SR/Patterson, Calif. ) singled home two runs and Mora again finished the inning with an RBI single that put the Falcons up by five runs.
Isabelle Schwien (JR/Denver, Colo. ) turned in an effective outing of six innings and one earned run allowed while striking out seven batters and walking four for Friends.
Dallimore drove in three runs overall in the victory over the Trojans, with Spracklen, Mora and Fallyn Marshall (JR/Syracuse, Utah) each producing two hits.
Carrington Entringer had two hits and scored three runs for Dakota State.
In the first game, Spracklen struck out a career-high 12 hitters and had two of the Falcons five hits. The San Diego, Calif. native allowed just one run on three hits along with three walks.
The only run of the game came in the second when Raquel Trolliet drove home pinch runner Ashley Smith for the Mustangs.
In the seventh inning, Vanessa Sigala (JR/Carson, Calif. ) threatened to hit the ball in the gap to lead off the frame, but center fielder Sam Lee came over to make a great running catch to keep the bases clear.
Jayna Witzany blanked the Falcons and struck out six with two walks over seven innings for Mount Mercy.
"We have so much experience on the field this year and in our lineup, if we keep doing the little things right, we will be a tough team to beat," said Unruh."
The Falcons (4-4) will be right back in action tomorrow (Mar. 5) at home vs. Missouri Valley College starting at noon.