Photo by David Ediger (Tabor SID)
Great Bend, Kan. – The McPherson College softball team stay hot on Saturday, moving to 3-0 in the KCAC conference tournament with a 4-2 come from behind victory over the Friends University Falcons in the semi-final game.
The Bulldogs led the Falcons 1-0 through four innings, but then surrendered the lead when Friends scored a run in the bottom of the fifth and then another an inning later. In the top of the seventh, trailing 2-1, the Bulldogs were down to their final out, but had runners on first and third. Lacy Weaver hit a ball down the right field line for a triple, scoring both runners on base. The relay throw by Friends trying to get the second runner at the plate went awry and Weaver was able to score as well, giving the Bulldogs a 4-2 lead. The Bulldogs then held the Falcons scoreless in the bottom of the frame to hang on for the win.
Raegan Kleppe was in the circle for the Bulldogs and pitched another gem. She pitched a complete game, surrendering two runs on just four hits. She finished with nine strikeouts and two walks. The defense behind Kleppe was stellar finishing with a clean stat line.
Offensively, the Bulldogs also managed only four hits, three singles and the triple by Weaver. Weaver led the offense going 2 for 4 with three RBI and a run scored. The two other hits were a single by Brandy Trengove, and another by Heidi Fischer.
"Super proud of these players," said Coach Segovia. "They never gave up and kept fighting to the end. So happy for all the players that they get a chance to play for a conference title. We still have work to do and the players are ready to go to work tomorrow!"
With the win, the Bulldogs are the only remaining undefeated team in the bracket. They will square off again on Sunday with the Falcons in the championship game at 1:30. Because it is a double elimination tournament, the Falcons will need to beat the Bulldogs twice to win the tournament, the Bulldogs just need one win to secure the crown and earn a trip to the NAIA opening round.
