Spring Break trip starts with a sweep

McKENZIE, TENN. - Makenna Moenk's solo shot in the first inning of a doubleheader against Bethel (Tenn.) set the tone for the Mount Mercy softball team's Spring Break trip. The Mustangs proceeded to score in the first four innings leading to an 8-0 win in five innings followed by a 9-4 victory in game two for the sweep of the Lady Wildcats at the Kahlden Complex.

Three doubles in the third by Calli Janik, Rylee Goodfellow, and Jade Sharp busted the scoring barrage open as Mount Mercy went up 7-0. The Mustangs strung together three singles in the fourth to plate Moenk and put the run-rule in place. Jayna Witzany retired six of the next eight batters to end the game early. 

Moenk finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Janik and Poston also finished 2-for-3 while the Mustangs recorded 11 hits as a team. Natalie Tecklenburg drove in two runs to lead Mount Mercy. Witzany struck out eight on 91 pitches for her sixth win of the season.

Mount Mercy struck first again in game two thanks to a two-run blast from Janik, but Bethel matched them with two of their own. The Mustangs trailed 3-2 going into the fourth, but Sam Lee's clutch, bases-clearing, double put Mount Mercy in front for good. A run in the fifth and two more in the sixth was all the insurance starting pitcher, Kalli Minger needed as she held the Lady Wildcats scoreless over the final three frames.

All nine Mustangs tallied a hit led by Tecklenburg and Raquel Trolliet who each had two. Trolliet also scored twice and Lee recorded three RBI and Janik two. Despite walking six, Minger was able to keep the Lady Panther bats at bay, striking out six and only allowing five hits. She moves to 3-3 on the year. 

Mount Mercy (9-4) continues their trip down South with another doubleheader against third-ranked Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) (7-4) tomorrow, Wednesday, March 14 in Henderson, Tenn. First pitch is slated for 3:00 pm.