NATCHITOCHES, La – HBU Softball went 2-0 in the Friday night doubleheader against Northwestern State in the first road series of SLC play for the Huskies.
GAME ONE: Huskies fell 1-2 in the first game with a home run from Shelby Echols.
HBU took a quick three up the down to begin the game but answered with the same to quickly go into the second inning. With a runner for Northwestern State on third in the bottom of the third, Taylor Williams put the Demons on the board with a double to right field to bring home the runner and advanced on the throw to third. Emma Callie Delafield singled to bring in the run. The Huskies began the fourth at the top of lineup with leading hitter Shelby Echols who knocked her second career home run to right field to put the Huskies on the board. The teams went into the seventh with the Huskies down 2-1 and the Demons were able to hold off the Huskies from coming back in.
Jessica Patak (3-6) took the loss in the circle going 6 innings giving up two runs on six hits with two walks with season high seven strikeouts.
Jensen Howell (5-3) took the win throwing a full game giving up one run on three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.
GAME TWO: HBU fell after a heavy third inning from the Demons. Caitlyn Brockway added a home run to put the Huskies on the board.
Both teams remained scoreless in the first inning but as the Demons went into the bottom of the second, a sacrifice bunt put a runner on third. With the fielder's choice out at first, Northwestern State was able to bring in the run. With one out in the top of the third, Brockway stepped up to bat and with a 1-2 count, knocks a homer to left field. Jasie Roberts came out swinging with a triple, but the Huskies weren't able to bring her home. The Demons had the bases loaded, and with a walk were able to advance out of the tie. After a passed ball from the Huskies, the Demons were able to add another run to the board. Kat Marshall brought the two remaining on base with a triple to seal the Huskies fate after unable to score again for the remainder of the game.
Sarah Venker (2-1) took the loss in the circle for HBU giving up one run on six hits with three walks and a strikeout in 2.1 innings pitched. Katy Janes threw 1.1 innings giving up three hits and a walk while Lyndie Swanson pitched 2.1 inning giving up two hits and adding a strikeout.
Ella Callie Delafield (5-1) pitched a full game in the circle for the win giving up one run on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
Huskies will finish the series with Northwestern State at NOON on Saturday, March 27.
