DENVER — The MSU Denver softball team kept its momentum rolling Tuesday afternoon, sweeping Nebraska Kearney in a doubleheader to extend its winning streak to 10 games. With the pair of victories, the Roadrunners improved to 20-6 overall.
GAME ONE: MSU Denver 11, Nebraska Kearney 1 (5 inn.)
The tone of the day was set immediately, as MSU Denver exploded for 10 runs in the bottom of the first inning—an outburst that proved to be the decisive turning point.
The Roadrunners sent 15 batters to the plate and racked up nine hits in the frame. Neila Lucero and Neila Fee each collected two hits in the inning, while Natalie Shellhorn delivered the biggest blow with a bases-clearing double to drive in three runs. Fee added both an RBI double and an RBI single during the rally, showcasing the depth and relentlessness of the lineup.
MSU Denver added another run in the third inning when Brooklyn Enny singled home a run to make it 11-0, more than enough support for pitcher Samantha Mader.
Mader was dominant in the circle, tossing all five innings to earn the win and improve to 3-1 on the season. She allowed just two hits and one unearned run while striking out seven. Despite issuing six walks, Mader consistently worked out of trouble and kept Nebraska Kearney from mounting any real threat.
At the plate, Lucero led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, scoring three times and driving in a run. Victoria Pearson went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, while Enny and Fee each recorded multi-hit efforts to power MSU Denver to its ninth consecutive win.
GAME TWO: MSU Denver 3, Nebraska Kearney 1
Game two presented a much different challenge, as the Roadrunners had to rely on their strong pitching to secure the sweep.
After falling behind 1-0 in the fourth inning, MSU Denver responded immediately in the bottom half. Trinity Kennemer delivered the turning point with a towering two-run home run to give the Roadrunners a 2-1 lead. Later in the inning, Neila Lucero ripped an RBI double off the wall to extend the advantage to 3-1.
That was all the offense MSU Denver would need, thanks to a strong performance from the pitching staff. Brooklyn Levin started the game, allowing one run over three innings, before Kianna Butler took over and shut the door.
Butler was outstanding in relief, earning the win to improve to 5-1 on the season. She tossed four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out five and keeping Nebraska Kearney off balance down the stretch.
Kennemer led the offense, finishing 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a walk, accounting for the go-ahead runs. Lucero added another key hit, while the Roadrunners worked six walks to apply consistent pressure offensively.
With the sweep, MSU Denver not only secured its 10th straight victory but also remained perfect at home, continuing to build momentum as RMAC play continues later this weekend against Chadron State at home.
