Early Lead Disappears as Softball Downed by Friends

WICHITA, Kan. — The Doane softball team jumped out to an early lead with a four-run first inning and finished with 16 hits, but a big middle-inning surge by Friends lifted the Falcons to a 15–13 win over the Tigers on Saturday.

Doane opened the game aggressively at the plate. Milannie Gonzalez led off the contest with a single before Faith McDonald delivered an RBI double to center to score the game's first run. Later in the inning, Katelyn Hays and Ciara Hudson each ripped RBI doubles, with Hudson driving in two as the Tigers built a 4–0 lead after the opening frame.

Friends responded with a run in the bottom of the first and another in the second, but Doane continued to pressure the Falcons' pitching staff. McDonald doubled home Hannah Pack in the second inning to extend the lead to 5–2.

The Tigers' offense erupted again in the third. Hudson scored on a double steal before Jacqueline Ordonez and Pack each produced RBI doubles. Jeryn Allen added an RBI single and Addison Parsons followed with another run-scoring hit as Doane plated five runs in the inning to take a 10–2 advantage.

Despite the strong start, Friends answered with a seven-run bottom of the third to tighten the game. The Falcons capitalized on several Tiger errors and delivered key extra-base hits to swing momentum and cut the lead to 10–9.

Doane briefly regained breathing room in the fourth inning when Ordonez grounded out to bring home Hudson, pushing the advantage to 11–9.

Friends continued to apply pressure and took control with a five-run fourth inning, eventually finishing with 15 runs on 13 hits.

The Tigers continued to battle offensively throughout the game. McDonald led the attack with a perfect 3-for-3 performance that included two doubles and two RBI. Parsons also collected three hits and drove in a run, while Hudson went 2-for-3 with two RBI and three stolen bases.

Ordonez added two doubles and two RBI, Pack scored twice with a double and two walks, and Evelyn Iniguez delivered a two-run home run as part of the Tigers' 16-hit effort.

Friends was led by Izzy Jones, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, while Raeleen Hernandez and Cadence Magana each drove in three runs.

Doane stole nine bases in the game, tying a school record, and finished with eight doubles, a new school record, as part of the offensive output.

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