Big Inning Lifts #25 Evangel Past Tiger Softball

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Doane softball team battled late but could not overcome a big fifth inning from No. 25 Evangel (Mo.), falling 8-3 in the second game of Friday's KC NAIA Invite.

The Tigers (3-3) trailed just 2-0 early before Evangel broke the game open with a five-run fifth inning, using a bases-loaded triple and a pair of RBI walks to extend the margin.

Evangel struck first in the opening frame with two runs on a pair of singles and aggressive baserunning. Doane starter Bri True settled in after that, keeping the Tigers within striking distance through four innings before the decisive fifth.

The Crusaders loaded the bases with one out in the fifth, drawing consecutive walks to force in runs before a three-run triple from Karli Facklam pushed the lead to 7-0.

Doane broke through in the sixth inning. Jeryn Allen delivered a single to right field to move runners into scoring position, and the Tigers eventually plated their first run of the game. In the seventh, Addison Parsons provided the biggest offensive swing for Doane with a two-run home run, trimming the deficit to 8-3 and providing late momentum.

Allen finished 1-for-2 with a run scored and a walk, while Parsons drove in two runs with his homer. Faith McDonald and Jaiden Papik also recorded hits for the Tigers.

True took the loss after allowing seven runs over five innings with five strikeouts. Lauren Dick worked the final two innings in relief, allowing one run.

Evangel pitcher Madi Bentley went the distance, allowing four hits and three runs while striking out four to earn the win.

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