Conqs Snap Five-Game Losing Skid in Split with Seward

The Dodge City Community College softball squad returned home for the first time in six games, welcoming Seward County to Legends Park. The teams split a pair of games in the Thursday afternoon double header.

Seward County used an eight-run 5^th inning to take control and win game one 10-1 but the Conquistadors got defensive and bounced back to win game two, 2-1. 

"We needed a huge lift the second game from Mak [Makayla Kolojay], and she came through for us after a disappointing loss in game one where DK [Danika Utajara] threw very well. Getting the win in game two is a nice way to start the Easter Break, since the players can enjoy Easter with their loved ones for a few days, then come back and get to work."

The Conquistadors move to an even 10-10 on the season and 5-7 in KJCCC play as they sit in 4^th in the West. The game two victory snaps a five-game losing skid as the Conqs dropped five of six during their six-game road trip. They are back in action on April 8^th when they travel to Garden City to take on the Broncbusters in a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 pm.

Game One | 10-1 L

After a scoreless 1^st inning, Seward kicked off the scoring when a fly ball to left field was mishandled by the Conquistadors' Caroline Stephenson led to two Saints runs. Dodge City was able to respond after a Saints error allowed Makayla Garcia to get on base, scoring KarliAnn Bauer in the process.

The Saints opened the game up with an eight-run 5^th inning, all coming with two outs in the inning to put the visitors up 10-1. Dodge City couldn't respond as they went three-up, three-down in the bottom half of the inning to lose game one.

KarliAnn Bauer's double in 2^nd inning was the lone hit for the Conquistadors in game one. Danika Utajara took to the mound for the Conqs going 4.2 innings, giving up nine hits, and striking out five. Despite the 10 Saint runs, Utjara only gave up two earned on the start.

Game Two | 2-1 W

The Conquistador defense tightened up in game two where runs were at a premium. An AJ Poell sacrifice bunt scored Daysha Mendez to open the scoring in the 3^rd inning. Mendez added another run for the Conqs when she was able to touch all the bases after a routine hit to left field was botched by the Saints.

The Conqs took a 2-0 lead into the 7^th inning, needing one last defensive stand. Seward was able to muster one run, but some inspiring defensive stops by Danika Utajara thwarted the comeback attempt and gave the Conqs a 2-1 victory.

Game two belonged to Daysha Mendez as the sophomore was a perfect 3-3 from the plate and scored both of the Conquistador runs. Makayla Kolojay got the start in game two, going the distance and only giving up two hits and one earned run while striking out 10 in the victory.

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