Softball team sweeps Mount Vernon Nazarene in conference opener

The softball team crushed the Lady Cougars from Mount Vernon Nazarene as they took both games of their MCC home opener. The Lady Pilots won game one by a score of 7-2 and game two by a decisive score of 16-0.  Natalie Newell and Kendra Zache each contributed complete games to give the offense more than enough to overcome the visiting Lady Cougars. In the first game of the double header, Newell gave up two runs in seven innings, compiled eight strikeouts and did not give up a base on balls. Holly Weaver led the Lady Pilots at the plate with three hits and a run scored. In addition, Danielle Reilly gathered another home run, while Jenny Hendrick chipped in the only double in game one. The second game got out of hand very quickly as the offense put up 16 runs to combine with Zache’s five-inning complete game shutout. Hendrick and Newell each chipped in a home run in game two, while Kelsey Ericksen led the team with three hits. This is a positive start for the Lady Pilots who will continue conference play on Thursday, April 5, when they host Saint Francis. The first game of the double header will begin at 3 p.m.