HAYS, Kan. — Newman University edged Fort Hays State University with a narrow 7–6 victory in game one, and fell to FHSU in a close battle in game two, 8-10.
How it Happened:
Game one vs Fort Hays State: NU 7, FHSU 6 (9 Inn.)
- The Jets' offense collected 13 hits, including three doubles and a home run, while maintaining a steady lead throughout the game.
- Newman secured a tense victory against the Tigers in a game that extended into extra innings. In the first inning, AJ Borja's single down the right field line brought in two runs, giving the Jets an early advantage. FHSU responded with a run, ending the inning at 2–1 in favor of Newman.
- The third inning saw Borja's contribution again as he hit a two-run homer to right center, extending Newman's lead. Fort Hays St. answered with three runs, tying the score at 4–4 by the end of the inning.
- In the fourth inning, Laci Dryden tripled and scored on Malie Noda's double, with the Tigers tying it again with a sacrifice fly. The score stood at 5–5 after four innings.
- The Jets pulled ahead in the sixth when Lani Dryden's sacrifice fly allowed Lauren McNaught to score. FHSU tied the game once more in the seventh, bringing the score to 6–6.
- The game remained tied until the ninth inning when Audry Rumsey delivered a crucial RBI single to left field, scoring Noda and giving Newman a lead. The Tigers were unable to score in their half of the inning, resulting in a final score of Newman 7, Fort Hays St. 6.
Player Notes:
- Borja had 3 hits, 4 RBIs, and 1 home run.
- Noda contributed 2 hits, 1 RBI, and 1 double.
- Hannah Nordby added 2 runs, 2 hits, and 1 double.
- Rumsey recorded 2 hits, 1 RBI, and 1 double.
- Katelyn Westover pitched five innings, for one strikeout and one hit
Game two vs Fort Hays State: NU 8, FHSU 10
- Despite a four-run rally in the seventh inning, the Jets' effort was not enough to overcome the Tigers' decisive seven-run fourth inning.
- Newman started strong, scoring two runs in the first inning. Lani Dryden singled and was driven home by Hannah Nordby's double. Nordby later scored on Audry Rumsey's single. Fort Hays St. responded with one run, leaving the score at 2–1 after the first inning.
- In the third inning, FHSU took the lead with two runs. A double scored a run, and a sacrifice fly brought in another, setting the score at 3–2.
- The Jets briefly reclaimed momentum in the fourth inning. Nordby's second double of the game brought home Dryden and Malie Noda, giving Newman a 4–3 lead. However, the Tigers answered with seven runs in their half, fueled by a combination of walks, a throwing error, and timely hits, pushing the score to 10–4.
- In the seventh inning, Newman made a late push. Emma Taylor scored on a bases-loaded walk to Laci Dryden, and Noda's double cleared the bases, adding three more runs. Despite the rally, the game concluded with the Tigers securing a 10–8 victory. Final score: Fort Hays St. 10, Newman 8.
Player Notes:
- Noda scored one run, hit a double, and drove in three RBIs.
- Nordby contributed one run, hit two doubles, and also had three RBIs.
- McNaught scored one run and had three hits.
- Rumsey added one hit and one RBI, while also pitching 2 1/3 innings with two strikeouts.
Looking ahead, the Jets will face Nebraska Kearney for a double header on Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m. in Kearney, Nebraska.
