Bulldogs swept by Warner 2-1 and 3-0

The Concordia University, Nebraska, softball team gave Warner University (RV) all it could handle, but just missed taking a road contest from the Royals on Monday, March 12.  The Bulldogs dropped both games of their doubleheader, 2-1 and 3-0.  

Following the losses, Concordia's record fell to 3-3.  The Royals, meanwhile, moved to 10-7 on the season. 

Game One: Warner 2, Concordia 1

The first game got off to a rough start for the Bulldogs as Warner scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the first.  The Royals' leadoff hitter Tabitha Martin reached on a error, then Bulldog starter sophomore Amanda Beeson (Waverly, Neb.) issued consecutive walks to load the bases with nobody out.  Warner's two runs both scored on the ensuing play as a fielder's choice resulted in a two run error.  

Beeson (0-2) settled down from there and delivered her best outing of the season, scattering three hits and three walks the rest of the way.  

Unfortunately the Bulldogs offense struggled with Warner starter Kaitlyn Grimail.  Concordia was retired in order in four of the seven innings, notching its lone run courtesy of three Royals errors in the fourth.  Conocordia's first hit of the game came in the bottom of the seventh as sophomore Amber Topil (Seward, Neb.) broke up the no-hit bid with two outs.

Grimail (4-5) allowed just one hit and one walk, while striking out six in the win. 

Game Two: Warner 3, Concordia 0

The Bulldogs offense continued to struggle in game two.  In both the fourth and fifth innings, Concordia got a leadoff single only to strand the runner.  The Bulldogs managed just four baserunners in the contest as Werner's Haylee Padgett provided a dominant performance.

Concordia starter, senior Nicole Sempek (Columbus, Neb.), suffered her first loss (3-1) of the season, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk in seven innings.  All three of the Royals runs came in the bottom of the fourth on a leadoff double, a walk, a single and a three-run double by Tiffani Upchurch.  

The Bulldogs return to action tomorrow, Tuesday, March 13 against Florida Southern in a doubleheader begining at 5:30 p.m.