Topeka, Kan. - Softball traveled to Topeka to play in a five game tournament this past weekend. The Jets got to the tournament with a 6-5 record after taking the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storms down to the wire in their last game played. 

 

Newman wasn't able to get their offense going in the first couple of games in the tournament as they weren't able to score any runs. After a slow first day, the Jets got better with every game until they were able to get a much needed win in the last game, against Wayne State.

Game 1:

Softball started the Washburn tournament on Friday morning facing the Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks. 

 

Both teams started slow as neither would score in the first two innings. The third inning would be a different story as the Mavericks took a 0-6 lead in the bottom of the third inning. The Mavericks scored another run in the bottom of the fifth inning to give the Mavericks a 7-0 win. 

 

Gianna Navaro and Tori Waggoner were able to get hits but the team wasn't able to convert them into runs. 

 

Game 2:

In the second Friday game, the Jets faced Maryville. 

 

Waggoner continued her good hitting form as she doubled to center field in the top of the second inning. The Saints were able to score the first run of the game in the bottom of the second inning. 

 

Two singles to left field from Anissa Ramos and Kaitlyn Praught, and a single to the pitcher from Navarro would got the bases loaded for Newman in the top of the third, but a great defensive effort from the Saints would leave the Jets scoreless in the third inning. 

 

Jackie Gold started the game and would leave the field only allowing three hits and one run in three innings pitched. 

 

Maryville would go on to score two runs in the bottom of the fourth and another one in the bottom of the fifth to win 4-0. 

 

Game 3:

The Jets went up against Winona State in their only Saturday game.

 

The Warriors started the game very strongly, scoring nine runs in the first two innings. Newman attempted to come back in the top of the third inning scoring their first two runs in the tournament off of a single from Gianna Navarro, but the Warriors stopped the comeback and scored another run in the bottom of the third to take a 10-2 lead..

 

Another single from Waggoner would get the Jets hopes up in the top of the fourth, but the Warriors' defense was able to stop Newman's offense once again. 

Game 4:

Sunday play started with a game between the Jets and the University of Sioux Falls.

 

Newman was able to get their first lead in a game in the tournament after a very strong start in the top of the first. Malie Noda's single and an error from second base allowed the Jets to score two runs. The Cougars responded with three runs to take the lead from the Jets in the bottom of the first. 

 

The Cougars got a comfortable lead after scoring three more runs in the bottom of the second, and would go on to score a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth and sixth inning to end the game. 

 

The Jets, after a solid start, weren't able to get their offense going again and would not be able to score again in the game. 

 

Malie Noda had a remarking performance as she went three for three batting and assisted the team with two RBIs. 

 

Pitcher Zoe Fulks entered the game for two innings and only allowed four hits and two runs. 

 

Game 5:

The last Washburn Tournament game for the Jets saw them face off with Wayne State. 

 

The Wildcats would take the lead in the top of the first after a single to center field. The Jets responded with a run assisted by Hayley Bonython and an error from the shortstop to tie the game again in the bottom of the first. 

 

Wayne State stole home to get a run and regain the lead in the top of the second inning. Newman was unable to tie the game in the bottom of the second, but would do it in the bottom of the fourth after an RBI from Alex Schreiner. 

 

Gianna Navarro doubled to left center to score Anissa Ramos and take the lead in the game. 

 

Hayley Bonython came in clutch hitting her third home run of the season to right center to increase the lead for Newman in the bottom of the sixth inning. Danielle Rodriguez' single aided the Jets to score two more runs and leave the score at 2-6 for the Jets. 

 

The Wildcats attempted to comeback in the top of the seventh inning scoring three runs, but the Jets' defense was able to stop them and secure the win for Newman with a final 5-6 score.  

Paola Zamacona got the win for the Jets after pitching for 6.1 innings, getting four strikeouts and only allowing five hits.

 

Kinyon DeCorte was able to stop the Cougars' offense in the last inning and helped the Jets win the game. 

 

Up Next:

The Jets will host their first game at the NU Softball Field this season with a double header against McPherson this upcoming Wednesday.