The Mavericks completed the sweep over Colorado Christian University (CCU) as they rallied late in game one to secure a win.
A seven run fourth inning for Colorado Mesa University (CMU) was crucial as the Mavericks got the come behind win in game one.
After the Cougars scored three runs in the third and fourth innings of the game. Redshirt sophomore Ellie Smith got the Mavericks on the board in the fourth and started the rally as she hit a two run home run scoring redshirt sophomore outfielder Lauren Wedman who singled to get on the base.
Three batters later, redshirt senior Sarah Staudle reached on an error by the Cougars shortstop. A walk to redshirt freshman Aislyn Sharp out two on the base paths for redshirt sophomore shirt stop Ashley Bradford.
Bradford was able to cut CCU’s lead in half as she singled up the middle allowing the base runners to score.
Redshirt freshman infielder Camryn Mullen then came in to pinch hit for redshirt freshman outfielder Drew Sims as the Cougars went to their relievers earlier than they wanted. With Samaria Roope pitching, Mullen singled through the left side allowing Sharp and Bradford both to score.
Now only down by one run with Mullen on first, redshirt senior outfielder Brooke Doumer on a 1-1 count hit a two-run home run to give CMU the 7-6 lead. The home-run by Doumer ended the seven run stretch for the Mavericks as Wedman hit another single but Smith struck out to finish the inning.
The Mavericks were not done yet, redshirt sophomore third baseman Nicole Christensen hit a solo home run that landed on the CMU practice baseball field. Christensen was able to foul off six pitches and work her way up to a 3-2 count in the at bat.
Even though the offense came alive in the fourth the Mavericks pitching staff struggled to start the game on the right foot for the team. CMU used all three pitchers in the seven inning contest. Starter redshirt junior Paige Adair went two and two third innings after giving up six hits, three runs and only striking out one batter.
“CCU is a tough team. We have talked to our pitchers saying it could be all four games split all three pitchers throughout the game just to keep them off balance,” interim head coach Mercades Bohte said.
The coaching staff then decided to go to redshirt sophomore pitcher Shea Mauser. Mauser was only able to go one inning against CCU as she allowed them to score their final three runs of the game.
Smith was able to come in and get the win as she threw three and one third shut out innings and only gave up three hits.
Doumer started the scoring off for the Mavericks in the second inning of the afternoon. She doubled to left center allowing Sims and Bradford to score. In the fifth Smith did it again and hit another two run home run with Wedman abroad.
Doumer, Wedman and Smith have been at the top of the Mavericks line up for a majority of the season and have really set the pace for the rest of the dominant Mavericks line up. Smith talked about what it is like hitting behind Doumer and Wedman and the momentum they bring to the rest of the line up.
“Hitting behind two of the best hitters in our league is awesome. Just them being able to get on and I get to move them or them starting the momentum then me getting to carry them helps build the momentum for the rest of the lineup and I think they really start it so it is awesome,” Smith said.
CCU responded in the sixth as Sydney Reamer hit a solo home run to right center field. In the bottom half of the inning, Smith doubled scoring Doumer and Wedman. Smith ended the second game with four runs batted in bringing her season total to 62 which leads the team.
Adair came back out for her third start of the weekend and completely shut down the Cougars offense. She threw 93 pitches over the seven innings and struck out four batters. Adair only gave up five hits and one run.
“ She [Adair] was a little bit off the first game so we had to use other pitchers. Luckly, we came back and fought hard but her coming in had a little break and I told her after she came out the first game that we are going to need you for the second game. We will find a way a little different mindset after the break and really just be tough,” Bohte said.
As the series against CCU was the final regular season home series for CMU. The softball program recognized the two seniors on the team in Doumer and Staudle. Doumer after the game talked about the three seasons she has spent in a Maverick uniform after transferring from Western Nebraska CC. Staudle has spent all five seasons of her collegiate softball career as a Mavericks.
“ I haven’t regretted my decision coming here one bit and being a Maverick means so much to me. I mean it is honestly hard to put into words because how much it means to me. The team is just awesome, the coaching staff is unmatched and I wouldn’t want to be on the field with anyone else so I am going to miss it a lot,” Doumer said.
As the Mavericks move to 30-2 on the season and have a six game win streak they will now head to Chadron, Neb. as they take on Chadron State College Friday and Saturday starting at noon on April 30.
