In a two-game series against South Dakota, Kansas City softball relied on a surging offense but could not capitalize defensively, winning only one game.
After facing the likes of Wichita State and Kansas, the Roos were tasked with defeating the South Dakota Coyotes on April 17. In the first game, neither team could score a run until the third inning.
After hitting a single in the top of the third inning, Kansas City junior catcher Alexis D’Ambrosio showed off her wicked speed by stealing second base. A sudden wild pitch sent her to third base, solidifying her scoring position. Sophomore infielder Katherine Karnatz swung on the first pitch, leading to a single that sent D’Ambrosio home, bringing the score to 1-0.
Not to be outdone, South Dakota responded. Coyotes third baseman Aleesia Sainz singled to center field, bringing Gabby Moser home. In the next inning, both teams scored one run.
Roos second baseman Sydney McQuinn delivered on a 0-0 count, sending junior center fielder Kloe Hilbrenner home. Coyote standout Lauren Eamiguel homered to tie it up. In the top of the seventh inning, Kansas City blew the door open, scoring two runs. Their patience led to their victory in the first matchup.
In the second match of the day, things changed for the Roos. South Dakota scored two runs in the first inning, due to a crucial fielding error. The Coyotes ended up scoring another run in the second inning, which increased the lead to 3-0.
Kansas City had to answer offensively. The Roos did just that, led by a fielding error and a single by McQuinn. It was 3-2. In the bottom of the fourth, Sainz would score on a flyout. Another fielding error led to the Coyotes increasing their lead to 5-2.
After allowing another run in the 6th inning, Kansas City attempted to rally. It was successful at first, but a groundout by junior first baseman Delainey Fenoglio ended the potential comeback. The game would end 6-4.
Kansas City could not focus defensively, committing a total of three errors. Each of those errors would lead to runs for South Dakota. In a season where Kansas City has a total of 47 errors, it shows how the Roos need to work on their defense if they want to limit the amount of runs.
Mia Hoveland did an excellent job pitching. She struck out five batters and only allowed one run through seven innings. Hoveland now has a .500 season, going 10-10. However, she has allowed at least one home run in 16 games, and is inconsistent on the mound.
Improving her strike zones can help her limit these runs and come out victorious more often. On the other hand, Camryn Stickel had a bad day. In 4.2 innings played, she had two earned runs, and amounted five runs allowed. The Coyotes knew when to swing and took advantage of her pitches.
