WINFIELD, KAN. – On Tuesday, March 2^nd, the Southwestern College Softball team hosted play to the visiting Royals of Ecclesia College at Broadway Sports Complex in Winfield, Kan.
 
Game 1 | Tuesday, March 2^nd at 1:00 PM
 
In a closely contested softball match, Southwestern College emerged victorious over Ecclesia College with a final score of 11-9. The game was characterized by a flurry of hits, runs, and a few errors from both sides, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
 
The action started in the 1st inning when Ecclesia College managed to get on the scoreboard first, with A. Ortiz grounding out to shortstop, bringing in W. Mussett for the initial run, putting them ahead 1-0.
 
However, Southwestern College quickly responded in the 2nd inning, capitalizing on errors by Ecclesia's defense. Hannah Hlavenka 's hit led to two runs, followed by Taylor Powers and Reagan Wright contributing with hits of their own, extending Southwestern's lead to 6-1 by the end of the inning.
 
Southwestern continued to pile on the runs in the subsequent innings, with H. Hlavenka, Jolie Boyd, and others delivering key hits to keep the momentum in their favor. By the 4th inning, Southwestern had stretched their lead to 10-1.
 
Ecclesia College refused to go down without a fight, mounting a comeback in the 5th inning. W. Mussett and M. Knox led the charge with crucial hits, driving in multiple runs and closing the gap to 10-7.
 
A late rally by Ecclesia College saw them pull within one run, but Southwestern College managed to hold on, securing the win with a final score of 11-9.
 
Despite the loss, Ecclesia College showed resilience and determination, making a valiant effort to claw their way back into the game. On the other hand, Southwestern College showcased their offensive firepower and composure under pressure, ultimately emerging victorious in a thrilling matchup.
 
 
Game 2 | Tuesday, March 2^nd at 3:00 PM
 
The second game showed dominance on the Royals side as they showcased their offensive prowess with 14 hits and capitalized on defensive miscues by Southwestern to secure the victory.
 
The game started off with Ecclesia's A. Smith capitalizing on an error, bringing in two runs early in the first inning, setting the tone for their aggressive offense. Southwestern responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning, but Ecclesia maintained their lead, 2-1.
 
Ecclesia continued to extend their lead in the second and third innings, with key hits from players like M. Knox and A. Ortiz, bolstering their advantage. By the fourth inning, Ecclesia had built a commanding lead, highlighted by a timely hit from W. Musset that brought in three crucial runs, 12-2.
 
The Builders managed to add a run in the fifth inning, but it was not enough to overcome Ecclesia's dominant performance. Ecclesia's solid pitching and stellar defense limited the Builders to just five hits and sealed the victory.
 
The Builders will be back Wednesday, March 3^rd when they battle Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, Okla.