Cottey College's softball squad showcased power, precision, and perseverance across a remarkable four-game run, putting their offensive firepower and defensive grit on full display.
Game 1 vs UHSP: Steady Bats and Capitalizing on Errors
In their opener, Cottey secured a 6-0 shutout with sharp situational hitting and the ability to take advantage of fielding miscues. The scoring started in the third inning as Grayce Taylor drove in H. Hoelzeman with a single to left center. Errors by the opposing defense in the fourth and fifth innings opened the floodgates, allowing Cottey to add five more runs — most of them unearned — and cruise to victory behind efficient pitching and disciplined at-bats.
Game 2 vs UHSP: A Back-and-Forth Battle with St. Louis College of Pharmacy
Cottey found themselves in a tighter contest in Game 2 against St. Louis College of Pharmacy. After falling behind early, Bailey Cravens sparked the offense with an RBI single in the second to tie the game at 1-1. Pharmacy answered back with a two-run homer in the third, but Cottey wasn't done. A clutch bases-clearing triple by Cravens in the fourth inning flipped the game in Cottey's favor, followed by a key RBI single from Halen Hoelzeman to extend the lead.
Despite a late rally from Pharmacy that cut the lead to one, Hoelzeman's two-run homer in the sixth provided the cushion Cottey needed, and they held on for a 7-6 nail-biter.
Game 3 vs Harris-Stowe: Offensive Explosion
Game 3 was an offensive clinic as Cottey unleashed an incredible 30-run explosion. The team scored in every inning, starting with a 4-run first capped by Hoelzeman's two-run triple. The second inning turned into an offensive avalanche as Cottey batted around and racked up 11 more runs, fueled by RBI hits from Audette, Snyder, Tipton, Easter, Arrellano, and Cravens.
The relentless lineup saw every batter contribute, with Audette, Snyder, and Arrellano combining for multi-hit, multi-RBI performances. The team continued to pile on through the fourth and fifth, finishing the game with a jaw-dropping 30-0 victory.
Game 4 vs Harris-Stowe: A Clean Sweep and Another Shutout
Cottey wrapped up the stretch with another dominant performance, shutting out their opponent 12-0. Hoelzeman once again sparked the team early, reaching on an error to score Audette in the first. In the second inning, Cottey capitalized on wild pitches and fielding errors to expand the lead to 5-0.
A clutch three-run homer by L. Arrellano in the sixth inning sealed the game in style, showcasing Cottey's ability to blend patience at the plate with power-hitting and heads-up baserunning.
Cottey's record lifts to 19-19 Overall, 9-7 in American Midwest Conference play.