KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Bulldogs split their first two games at the Avila University NAIA Invitational on Sunday (Feb. 18) in the Home Field Complex. The opening game against Saint Mary of the Woods College (Ind.) was a pitcher’s dual as Megan Eurich shut out the Pomeroys with eight strikeouts for Concordia in the 1-0 triumph. After winning by one run, the Bulldogs felt the other side of the sword, falling 6-5 versus Benedictine College (Kan.) in game two. Jennifer Katz hit two in the outfield and three RBIs against the Ravens.
Concordia is 1-3 overall after the split and will look forward to returning to the diamond tomorrow for day two of the invite. Head Coach Brock Culler commented on the two games and the great defensive plays many players made.
“It was really big for our kids. That was a battle. We made some really big defensive plays in that game (SMWC) to get out of some tough situations. They had us on the ropes a couple of times but Taylor (Glause) threw two runners out trying to get to second. Then Megs (Eurich), in the circle was outstanding. She was overwhelming them and did a great job. Jen Katz had a great day. She saw the ball really well today. In the second game (Benedictine), with the tying run at second (Shottenkirk), Jen was up and I told her we had the right batter in that situation after the game. She just got under it.”
After getting run-ruled twice in their opening doubleheader, the Bulldogs showed they know how to fight in close battles after two bouts decided by one run. SMWC, a national tournament team from last year, was baffled by Eurich, limiting their bats to four hits as the two teams started to realize one run might be enough for a season’s first win. In the fifth, Hannah Bowers drew a walk, for a pinch running Madison Cushing, who found herself at second after a sac bunt by Laycee Josoff. Glause would single, advancing Cushing to third but with an error by the Pomeroys’ shortstop, Cushing took advantage for the game winning run.
Down 4-3 against Benedictine, Julia Van Wey hit a single to right center field for her 100th hit of her collegiate career. With two on second and third, Katz smacked a single to right field scoring Julia Van Wey and Glause to take the lead. The Ravens would respond with a two run sixth, but Kylie Shottenkirk would have her first hit of the day in the final inning, lighting the bags on fire for a double and the tying run in scoring position. With two hits in the game, Katz was unable to deliver a hit in the early season heartbreaker.
The junior out of Omaha, Neb., would get on base three times and throw out a runner going to third from center field. Glause had got on base four times with two hits and two walks in Kansas City. Freshman Kaylei Denison got the starting nod for the second game, pitching five innings, two strikeouts and allowing four earned runs. Eurich came in relief, totaling nine innings pitched in two games.
After incoming weather changed the course of the Avila Invitational, Concordia (1-3) was rescheduled to play tomorrow (Feb. 19) Baker University (2-4) of Kansas and Avila University (3-3) of Missouri. First pitches are set for 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. CT at the Home Field Complex.