Plainswomen Sweep Spartans in Home Opener

Feb. 15, 2019, Sterling, Colo. — Softball games in February can be hit or miss in Colorado. The Plainswomen softball team battled less than ideal temperatures against the Colorado Northwestern Spartans in their home opener at Mason Field. Temperatures were in the mid 30's, but the sun was shining so it felt much warmer. Nonetheless, the Plainswomen were excited to play at home for the first time this 2019 season. 

The first game was a test of grit for the Plainswomen to see what they could do. The ladies jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the first, then batted around the order in the second and third innings by scoring eight in the second and six in the third. Northeastern went on to win 18-1 in the first game, breaking the ice on their home field. The second game was much like the first, but runs were spread out in more innings. Northeastern took the 4-0 lead in the first, and added five more throughout the third and fourth innings. The Plainswomen didn't allow the Spartans to score until the top of the fifth when they batted in three to make it a 9-3 game. Northeastern brought two girls around in the bottom of the fifth to give them the 11-3 win. 

The second day's temperatures were much higher and sun shined a little brighter. The ladies knew they were capable of defeating this team, they just needed to lock in and swing the bat. Their third game was not their best as Northeastern had two innings where they allowed the Spartans to get three runs in each. Although they didn't play their best, the Plainswomen still swung the bat well and came out victorious 15-7. The fourth and final game was Northeastern's best game to date. The Plainswomen only allowed one run, which came late in the game. Northeastern scored six runs in the first, five in the second, and then put up a massive 13 runs in the third. Those three innings allowed them to coast to the 24-1 victory. 

Northeastern moves to 9-3 overall and look to add to that as they travel to Goodland, Kan. on Wednesday, Feb. 20 to play against the Northwest Kansas Tech Mavericks, (weather permitting).