Softball Moves to 2-0 After Open Day

BRANSON, Mo. — Doane softball used extra-base pop early and late to stay perfect on the young season, topping William Woods (Mo.) 6-3 in a neutral-site game on Thursday (Feb. 6).

The Tigers (2-0) finished with nine hits — including four doubles and two home runs — and overcame three defensive errors by getting a complete effort in the circle and a multi-hit, multi-homer day from catcher Ciara Hudson.

Doane struck first in the top of the first. Milannie Gonzalez opened the game with a double and later scored when Evelyn Iniguez reached on an error to make it 1-0.

After William Woods answered in the bottom half, Doane responded with a two-run second inning. Jacqueline Ordonez was hit by a pitch and Hudson followed with a two-run home run to center, giving the Tigers a 3-1 advantage.

The Owls chipped away with single runs in the third and fifth, trimming the margin to 4-3, but Doane's offense delivered key insurance in the seventh. Faith McDonald and Bri True opened the frame with back-to-back singles, and pinch hitter Kayla Meyer lined an RBI single through the left side to drive in a run. Doane added another on a Hudson RBI groundout to push the lead back to three.

Hudson powered the Tigers at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI. Gonzalez also collected two doubles and reached base four times, while McDonald added a hit and worked five innings in the circle.

In the pitching circle, McDonald earned the win after allowing three runs over the first five innings. True closed the door with two scoreless innings in relief to pick up the save.

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