[Softball] Softball Falcons: McPherson Tournament Day One Recap

McPherson, Kan. – The Friends University Softball Falcons were tripped up in their first three games today (Mar. 9) at the McPherson Tournament at Wall Park in McPherson, Kan.

The Falcons started the day falling 9-1 to Doane College (Neb.), then lost 6-3 to the College of Saint Mary Flames (Neb.) and then 10-2 to Hastings College (Neb.).

Against the Flames, the Falcons jumped on top with two runs in the first on a two-run single by Mackenzie Nichols (JR/Columbus, Ohio).

After the Flames scored three unearned runs in the bottom of the first, an RBI from Isabella Gonzalez (JR/Bakersfield, Calif.) in the second tied the score.

Friends starter Heather Breslin (SR/Anchorage, Alas.) was effective over the next three frames, including a pair of 1-2-3 innings.

But the Flames got going in the sixth and came through with three runs to grab the lead.

That was enough for Brittney Banks, who came on in the second inning and blanked the Falcons in her six innings in the circle, striking out six and allowing only two hits.

Banks also helped her own cause with a two-run triple in the decisive sixth inning.

Hastings then scored eight unearned runs against the Falcons in the bottom of the fifth of the third game to snap a 2-2 tie and put away the win.

Maci Walker (SR/Mansfield, Texas) started the first and third game for the Falcons and was a tough luck loser each time, allowing 16 runs, but only one earned tally thanks to a combined 12 errors.

She struck out five and walked only one in her combined nine innings on the day.

The Falcons will conclude action at the tournament with games tomorrow (Mar. 10) against Morningside (Iowa) at 11 am and then Langston at 3 pm.