Saint Mary Sweeps McPherson in Dominant Doubleheader Display

LEAVENWORTH, KS – The University of Saint Mary Spires showcased their resilience and offensive firepower in a decisive doubleheader sweep of the McPherson College Bulldogs. With a 5-1 victory in the first game and a 7-5 victory in the second, the Spires improved their record to 14-12 (2-6 in conference).

Game 1: Spires' Offense Sparks Victory

The opening game saw a back-and-forth start, with McPherson drawing first blood in the top of the first inning. Melaney Granados delivered a crucial RBI single, bringing Savannah Robles home for an early 1-0 lead. However, the Spires responded swiftly and emphatically in the bottom half of the inning.

Saint Mary's offense ignited, with Alexis McDaniel sparking the rally with a single and then stealing second base. Jessica Strandlund followed with an RBI single, leveling the score at 1-1. Brooke Gerling then capitalized with an RBI single of her own, propelling the Spires to a 2-1 advantage.

The game remained tight until the fifth inning, when Strandlund again delivered, driving in McDaniel for her second RBI of the day, extending the Spires' lead to 3-1. In the sixth, the Spires put the game out of reach. Kate Robinette singled to left field, bringing Analesa Gonzalez home, and Natalie Bruce added a sacrifice fly, scoring Alexis Hughes, pushing the score to 5-1.

Grace Rose delivered a stellar performance on the mound for the Spires, pitching six strong innings and allowing only one run on seven hits. Allie Cox closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning, earning the save.

Key Highlights (Game 1):

• Jessica Strandlund's clutch hitting, with two RBIs, proved pivotal for the Spires' offense.
• Alexis McDaniel's aggressive baserunning, including two stolen bases, created scoring opportunities.
• Grace Rose's strong pitching performance limited the Bulldogs' offense.
• Brooke Gerling, Kate Robinette, and Natalie Bruce all contributed key RBIs.

Game 2: Spires Hold Off Late Bulldogs Surge

The second game proved to be a rollercoaster ride, filled with offensive fireworks and dramatic moments. Saint Mary struck first in the bottom of the first inning, with Jessica Strandlund driving in Alexis McDaniel for an early 1-0 lead. McPherson responded in the top of the second, as Alivia Lange's RBI double tied the game at 1-1. The Spires regained the lead in the bottom half, with Alexis McDaniel hitting a sacrifice fly to bring Briana Solis home.

McPherson tied the game again in the third, capitalizing on an error to score Karisa Hernandez. Saint Mary then seized control in the fourth inning. Audrey Spellman's sacrifice fly and an RBI single by Alexis McDaniel, coupled with a McPherson error, pushed the Spires' lead to 4-2.

In the sixth inning, Gianna Paape capitalized on another McPherson error, driving in two runs to extend the Spires' lead to 6-2. However, McPherson mounted a furious comeback in the top of the seventh. Justice Large's RBI double, Karisa Hernandez's sacrifice fly, and Layla Towner's RBI single brought the Bulldogs within one run, making it 6-5. However, the Spires were able to close out the game, and add one more run, for a 7-5 win.

Desarae Chavez earned the win for Saint Mary, pitching six solid innings, while Allie Cox closed out the game in the seventh. Landri Lopez took the loss for McPherson.

Key Highlights (Game 2):

• Alexis McDaniel's stellar performance, with two RBIs and aggressive baserunning, was crucial for the Spires' offense.
• Gianna Paape's two-RBI play in the sixth inning provided a crucial cushion.
• Briana Solis scored twice, contributing significantly to the Spires' offensive output.
• McPherson's late-game rally showcased their resilience, but the Spires held on for the victory.

Up Next:

The Spires are now 14-12 overall and 2-6 in conference play and they will continue on the road next week to face Tabor on March 25th at 3pm and 5pm.