Ascencio Throws One-Hitter to Lift Softball to Victory

SHAWNEE, Kan. — Natalie Ascencio tossed a complete-game one-hitter and Doane University softball powered its way to an 8-0 neutral-site win over Friends University (Kan.) on Saturday afternoon in Shawnee.

Ascencio (2-2) scattered just one hit, allowed one walk and struck out three in six scoreless innings, helping the Tigers improve to 6-6 on the season. Friends slipped to 7-7.

Doane struck first with a three-run opening inning. After Jeryn Allen singled and Ascencio doubled to put two in scoring position, Kayla Meyer launched a three-run homer to left to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead.

The Tigers added three more in the third. Allen doubled to open the inning and eventually scored on an error before Ciara Hudson belted a two-run home run to left, pushing the advantage to 6-0.

In the fifth, Doane manufactured another run. Meyer reached on an error and Katelyn Hays was hit by a pitch before a pinch runner, Ciera Braun, came home on Lexi Adams' RBI groundout for a 7-0 cushion.

Doane capped the scoring in the sixth. Hannah Pack singled and Milannie Gonzalez laid down a bunt single to put two aboard, and Ascencio followed with an RBI single to make it 8-0.

Allen finished 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, while Hudson went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Ascencio added a 2-for-4 day at the plate with a double and an RBI, and Meyer drove in three with her first-inning blast.

Friends' lone hit came from Mekenzi Humphers, who singled in the top of the first.

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