KANSAS CITY – South Dakota State racked up 19 hits but was swept by UMKC, 6-3 and 3-2, in a nonconference softball doubleheader Tuesday afternoon.
The Jackrabbits (14-27) play host to IPFW for a home-opening Summit League doubleheader Friday at noon.
Game 1
• UMKC 6, SDSU 3
The Jackrabbits’ Brittney Morse, who finished 2-for-3, hit a two-run homer in the top of the first inning; however, the Kangaroos put up three runs in both the third and fourth frames to take control.
Morse doubled and then scored on Abbey Murphy’s two-bagger in the fifth to provide for the final margin.
Ali Herdliska, Mallory McQuistan and Yanney Ponce added two hits apiece for SDSU. Julia Andersen doubled.
Ashlyn Bender took the loss after giving up six runs on eight hits with a strikeout and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. Katie Lang pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, striking out four and walking four while giving up one hit.
UMKC’s Lynsey Conner tossed a complete game, allowing three runs on 10 hits with a walk and a strikeout.
Kendra Leach, who doubled, and Sydney Garcia both had two hits and an RBI. Maegan Rollow also totaled two hits and Morgan Byrn notched a two-run single. Ashlin O’Brien had the team’s other RBI.
Game 2
• UMKC 3, SDSU 2
Garcia tripled to lead off the bottom of the seventh and scored the winning run on Leach’s sacrifice fly as the Kangaroos completed the sweep.
Leach ended up 2-for-3.
Alex Larson earned the win after tossing two scoreless innings in relief, giving up three hits. Starter Sara Miller surrendered two runs – one earned – on six hits and three walks.
The Jackrabbits’ Madison Hope allowed three runs on five hits with four walks and two strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.
Alex Ray finished 3-for-3.
Murphy led off the second with a double and scored on Paige Gerdes’ two-bagger soon thereafter to make it 1-0.
UMKC moved ahead 2-1 in the fourth as Byrn and Lia Lombardini had RBI singles.
Gerdes’ second RBI of the game tied the score at 2-all in the sixth.
