SEWARD, Neb. – After eight canceled games, the Concordia University, Nebraska Softball staff scheduled a new slate for this Sunday (Feb. 13) and Monday. The Bulldogs have agreed to play in Sioux Center against Bellevue University and No. 18 Benedictine College (Kan.) once each day, starting with the Bruins. CUNE started the season 3-1 at the ASB Sports Complex against Mayville State (N.D.), University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) and Culver-Stockton College (DH) out of Missouri.
Sunday, Feb. 16 vs. Bellevue (3-1), 6 p.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats
--Location: American State Bank Sports Complex (Sioux Center, Iowa)
Sunday, Feb. 16 vs. No. 18 Benedictine (0-0), 8 p.m.
--Live Stats: GameChanger | No Webcast
--Location: American State Bank Sports Complex (Sioux Center, Iowa)
Monday, Feb. 17 vs. Bellevue (3-1), 10 a.m.
--Live Webcast | Live Stats
--Location: American State Bank Sports Complex (Sioux Center, Iowa)
Monday, Feb. 17 vs. No. 18 Benedictine (0-0), 2 p.m.
--Live Stats: GameChanger | No Webcast
--Location: American State Bank Sports Complex (Sioux Center, Iowa)
On day one, sophomore Kaylei Denison pitched a shutout versus Mayville State on the way to a 5-0 victory with eight strikeouts and only allowing two hits in seven innings pitched. Hanna Bowers singled (3rd inn.) and punched in the eventual game winning run as Jennifer Katz blasted the Bulldogs' first home run (two-run) of the season in the fifth. Down 4-1 in the sixth, Concordia scored one in the inning and another in the seventh but fell short of pushing the game tying run to the plate.
Down 5-0 early to Culver-Stockton, Jordan Head entered the circle and shelled out five innings allowing only one run (three hits), giving the Dawgs a chance in the comeback win (7-6). Kylie Shottenkirk doubled to push two runs across in the sixth and again in the seventh totaling three RBIs. Tied at six, catcher Grace Maguire cracked her first collegiate hit with a walk-off single. The bats continued to connect in game two with an eight run (six hits) second frame. Concordia kept trucking and won their third contest (13-2, 5 inn.) of the four-game stretch behind Denison’s five inning two-run performance.
For a detailed look at the Bulldogs as they enter the 2025 season, check out our season preview HERE.
Upcoming Opponents
The Bruins started the season 3-0 but fell in their most recent game to Central Methodist University (Mo.), 3-2. Bellevue defeated Sterling College (Kan.), 5-3, Mission University (Mo.), 11-1, and Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.), 20-8. A national tournament qualifier in 2024, the Bruin dugout went 2-2 in the NAIA Opening round games a season ago. Bellevue returns four of its seven All-NSAA honorees headlined by third team NAIA All-American pitcher Katie Cunningham. All first-team returners include Cunningham, Liana McMurtry, Atiana Rodriguez and Alexa Sidel.
The Ravens have yet to play a game after having multiple games canceled early in the season. Benedictine, yet another national tournament qualifier, went 1-2 in the opening round games with its lone win coming over Coastal Georgia (2-1). Led by third team NAIA All-American pitcher Bailey Selvage, BC returns two All-Heart selections in Rhiannon Martin and Selvage.
Up next
After this weekend, Concordia will have 10 days before moving on to the University of Saint Mary Top Gun NAIA Invite in Shawnee, Kan. The Bulldogs will spend three days (Feb. 28-March 2) at the Mid-America Sports Complex and play six games against six different opponents.