Fort Hays State Softball opens a 10-game homestand this weekend with doubleheaders against Northeastern State and No. 19 Central Oklahoma. The Tigers will take on NSU on Friday (March 27) at 2 p.m., followed by a 12 p.m., start on Saturday (March 28) against UCO.
The Tigers (15-12, 8-4 MIAA) have won four straight entering this weekend and completed a spring break trip at 6-2 overall. The Tigers split with Metro State and Colorado Mines before sweeping Lincoln and Lindenwood to close the trip.
Tori Beltz continues to pace the team offensively, leading the Tigers in average (.326), hits (28), doubles (seven), home runs (six) and RBI (22).
Amanda Vaupel (.317) and
Samantha Villarreal (.300) both raised their averages to the .300 level last weekend. Vaupel is tied with
Kylie Strand for second on the team with three home runs, and has added five doubles and 13 RBI. Villarreal ranks second on the squad with six doubles, while Strand is second on the team with 15 RBI.
FHSU's 2.49 combined ERA is led by Paxon Duran (8-5), who has posted a 2.46 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 82.2 innings.
Kelsey Kimminau (2.65 ERA) is 6-6 on the year with 34 strikeouts, second on the team behind Duran with 76.2 innings thrown.
Sarah Cochran holds a 2.62 ERA in 21.1 innings, holding a 1-1 record with two saves on the year. In a relief role,
Savannah Price has given up just two hits and held opponents scoreless in three appearances.
NSU (12-16, 4-6 MIAA) has lost four straight and is led by Madison Boyd (.398, 21 RBI) and Paige Gann (.349, seven home runs) this season. In the circle, Laura Fleck is 2-2 on the year with a 3.76 ERA and 27 strikeouts, while Kayce Wooldridge is 6-6 with a 4.52 ERA and 53 strikeouts. Wooldridge's 79 innings pitched is a team-high.
UCO (21-8, 7-1 MIAA) is ranked 19th in the latest NFCA Division II poll and sits fourth in the current MIAA standings. As a team, the Bronchos are hitting .310 and have posted a 3.43 combined ERA. Kaylee Brunson leads UCO with a .374 average that includes five triples and 15 stolen bases while Ally Dziadula's .351 average is second. Dziadula's 10 doubles and 28 RBI are a team-high. Kelsey Berlin holds a 6-4 record with a 2.97 ERA this season and Nicole Brady is 8-3 with a 3.00 ERA.
