Softball Walked Off to Close Friends Invite

Softball closed out the Friends Invite on Sunday by taking on the host Falcons. Friends was able to collect a walk-off win to defeat Doane, 6-5.

Friends took a 2-0 lead in the first inning behind a two-run home run. They added a run in the second inning to go up by three runs.

Doane scored five unanswered runs to take the lead. In the third inning, Faith Molina doubled to plate Milannie Gonzalez for the first Tiger run. Jeryn Allen singled in the fifth inning to plate Molina to cut the deficit to one run, 3-2. Doane grabbed the lead in the sixth inning with three runs. Anna Prauner singled to plate Katelyn Hays to tie the game. The Tigers took the lead as Grace Dowding beat a throw to the plate on a fielder's choice. An error allowed Doane to take a 5-3 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, Friends scored three runs to win the game. The winning run crossed on a two-out, bases loaded single.

Abbi Arroyo started for the Tigers and went 1.1 innings, allowing three runs on six hits with one strikeout. Molina threw the final 5.1 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks. She struck out eight batters.

The Tigers had 12 hits in the game, two apiece from Molina, Marisa Marquez, and Allen. Molina and Hays had Doane's extra base hits, both picking up a double. Grace Dowding had the team's only stolen base.

Next up for Doane will be the Grand Slam Classic in Branson, Missouri, from March 6-8.