MACOMB, Ill. - Protecting its home field in McKee Stadium for the first time in 700 approximate days, it was easy to see the excitement spread within the Western Illinois softball crew. The Leathernecks started the afternoon off with an early exclamation mark, defeating North Dakota State 6-2 in game one. The second outing went to the Bison in a shutout win.
Sydney Hollings was a significant standout during the series opener, increasing her homer total to seven this year, which leads the team.
Game One
WIU 6, NDSU 2
On her first at-bat of the contest, Hollings homered to left-center for three runs. After Savannah Rodriguez singled for an additional run in the bottom of the third, Hollings went yard yet again. Increasing its lead to 6-0, WIU found itself in a comfortable spot.
Both of NDSU's runs happened in the fifth. An RBI first took place, and then an error by Western's outfield led to a second score for the Bison.
Defense by both parties made up the next small stretch before NDSU stepped to the plate in the seventh's top half for one more try. However, the Leatherneck defense had other plans - staying tenacious to complete a 1-2-3 inning and end in a walk-off.
Hollings led the way with two hits, two runs, and five RBI. Alyssa Ealy also chipped in two hits. Bella Alvarez gathered four putouts in the infield.
Game Two
NDSU 16, WIU 0
The Bison took control in the doubleheader's latter round, starting with a 2 RBI homer in the second. An exceptional third inning of nine runs and seven hits went to the Bison shortly afterward, increasing their advantage to 11-0.
Abrianna Gracia singled through the right side for Western's first hit during the third. Nevertheless, five insurance runs on five hits happened by NDSU in the fifth, ending the game early.
Joining Gracia was Hollings and Rodriguez with a hit each. Kellie Marcheschi contributed four putouts, while Jorja Hudson and Maddy Anderson both added three.
Day two of this opening Summit League series continues tomorrow in Macomb, beginning at 11 a.m.
