Lady Tiger softball team splits games at the Friends JV

The Friends University JV continues to be a thorn in the side of the No. 20-ranked Cowley College softball team as the Falcons defeated Cowley 9-8 before losing the second game of the doubleheader by a score of 18-16 on Tuesday at the Two Rivers Youth Complex in Wichita, KS.

After sweeping a doubleheader from Cowley a season ago, the Friends JV has won three of the past four meetings between the teams. Cowley is currently 11-4 on the season.

In game one, Friends scored nine runs in the first three innings and held on for the 9-8 victory. Jaiden Swanson started on the mound for Cowley and was charged with the loss.

Batting out of the leadoff spot, Lady Tiger freshman Alissa Nuno went 3-for-3 with three runs scored. Sophomore Emily Louderback also played well, going 2-for-4 with two runs batted in.

In game two. Cowley led 6-3 before the Falcons rallied to take a 12-11 lead into the seventh inning. The Tigers erupted for seven runs in the top of the seventh to lead 18-12.

After running into trouble in the bottom of the seventh inning, Mikah Vann relieved Jaiden Swanson and recorded the final three outs to earn the save.

Jamie Molina and Louderback had three hits a piece to pace the Tigers.

"Emily continues to be a strong bat for us in the lineup, but we need more production from our lineup," Cowley head coach Jenny Hoyt said.  "I thought at times we showed signs of our defense and offense working strong together, but we need to find a way to play up to our potential."

Cowley will return to action today when they host Dodge City in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. at Ed Hargrove Field. Dodge City has struggled to a record of 0-8 on the season and lost 8-0 to Cowley on February 9 in Denison, TX.

Score by inning:

Game one                   R H E

Cowley 1 0 2 0 5 0 0 – 8 9 0

Friends 5 2 2 0 0 0 x – 9 10 0

Game two                     R H E

Cowley 0 2 4 1 2 2 7 – 18 16 1

Friends 0 1 2 4 4 1 4 – 16 16 1