By Brian Roe, Sports Writer
Junior infielder Katie Bryan and the ACU softball team took three of four games against Eastern New Mexico Sunday and Monday at Wells Field to improve its record to 14-24 on the season.
Bryan, who two weeks ago became ACU’s all-time home run leader, homered twice in the opening game and became ACU’s all-time RBI leader. She also set a new record for most RBI in a season.
“I don’t even hear about the records until someone from the media tells me,” Bryan said. “We just want our team to play to the best of our ability and win some more games.”
Freshman pitcher Allison Crouse tossed a complete game seven-hitter, striking out a pair of hitters while allowing only two earned runs in the 6-2 victory for the Wildcats.
In the second game, Crouse was again sent to the mound and was basically unhittible. Crouse shut out Eastern New Mexico, scattering six hits, striking out four batters and registering zero base-on-balls.
“Allison has done a terrific job this year,” head coach Chantiel Wilson said. “She pitched a lot of innings and she’s just the type of player who doesn’t complain and always wants to do her best.”
The ACU offense was also successful in game two. Six of the nine batters in the Wildcats lineup had multi-hit games. Bryan again led the way knocking in two runs. Junior infielder Valerie Malkinson also had two hits and two RBI’s in ACU’s 7-0 victory.
It’s no surprise that in game three, the Wildcats once again called upon Crouse to pitch. The freshman again tossed a full seven innings, however, this time giving up 13 hits and three earned runs.
The Wildcat-offense offer little assistance, scoring two runs and only achieving three hits for the game. Bryan went 1-for-1 with one RBI, but was walked in her final two plate appearances.
Senior outfielder Michele Gereaux and junior catcher Ashley Whittenberg were the only other Wildcats to get a hit in the game. Gereaux also scored the only two runs for the Wildcats.
In game four, ACU again relied on its pitching, this time sending sophomore Heather Cochran to the hill. Cochran did not disappoint tossing all seven innings, scattering 10 hits, striking out five and only giving up a single earned run, leading the Wildcats to a 4-2 game four win.
Malkinson led the Wildcat-offense going 2-for-3 and knocking in two of ACU’s four runs. Bryan knocked a run-scoring triple to complete the four-game cycle.
The Wildcats look to continue building on their win streak when they return to action hosting Panhandle State Monday April 12. The doubleheader starts at 1 p.m. at Wells Field.
