Softball | 3/30/2011 9:12:59 PM
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
Leavenworth, Kan. – The McPherson College softball team split its Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference opening doubleheader against the University of Saint Mary on Wednesday. Senior Ashley Toepfer’s first career home run propelled MC to a 5-2 win in game one before the Bulldogs fell in game two, 5-1.
The split gives McPherson a 13-17 overall record and 1-1 KCAC mark, while the Spires go to 3-17 on the season and 1-1 in league action.
Sophomore pitcher Kelsey Dutton (Limon, Colo.) improved her team-best earned run average to 3.34 and improved to 7-4 overall with the win. Senior centerfielder Jamie Gilbert (Joplin, Mo.) and freshman shortstop Payton Toepfer (Crescent, Okla.) led the way at the plate with two hits each, including a triple by Gilbert. Junior Katie Logan (Clay Center, Kan.) drove in two runs in the effort.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Gilbert opened the game with a triple. Gilbert scored two batters later on a Logan sacrifice fly. However, USM tied the score in the bottom of the frame on a solo home run (1-1).
McPherson took the lead back in the top of the third, 3-1, when Gilbert received new life on a Spire error to open the inning. Gilbert advanced to second on a Toepfer single to center, but was forced out on a Logan fielder’s choice. Toepfer and Logan both advanced on a USM passed ball to give the Bulldogs runners at second and third with one out. Junior first baseman Andrea Falk (Cheyenne, Wyo.) scored Toepfer on a ground out before Dutton helped herself with a single that scored Logan.
Toepfer scored her second run of the game two innings later to give MC a 4-1 lead. USM scored one in the bottom of the sixth before senior catcher Ashley Toepfer (Crescent, Okla.) blasted her first career home run.
Miscues doomed the Bulldogs in game two as the Spires scored five runs, none earned. Logan took the loss for McPherson despite scattering three hits and striking out three in six innings of work.
Saint Mary lit the scoreboard first with a pair in the bottom of the second to take the early 2-0 lead. McPherson added its lone run of the game two innings later on a Falk solo home run, her fifth of the season. USM sealed the game with three runs in the sixth en route to the four run win.
McPherson returns to action on Saturday, April 2 when they host Southwestern College at Wall Park. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT.
