Lady Trojans Dominate Fort Hays Tech in Double-Header Softball Game

by Derek White

The Colby Community College Lady Trojans showcased their dominance on the field in a double-header against the Fort Hays Tech Northwest Lady Tigers on the afternoon of April 9. With a remarkable display of both offense and defense, Colby took control of the games, winning 18-2 in the first game and cruising to an 8-0 victory in the second.

Game 1: Colby Overpowers Fort Hays, 18-2

The first game of the day was an absolute spectacle, with Colby displaying explosive hitting and solid pitching. Kinleigh Haskell was the star of the game, driving in five runs on two hits. Haskell's grand slam in the third inning broke the game wide open, as she cleared the bases with a powerful shot to center field. She followed up with a single in the fourth inning, bringing in one more run.

Fort Hays took the lead early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning due to an error. However, Colby quickly answered back in the bottom half. Jenna Funk’s single brought in two runs, and Reese Ardohain added another with a groundout to put Colby on top, 3-2.

The Trojans continued to pile on the runs, scoring seven in the third inning. Highlights included Emmy Supernor’s two-run single, Haskell's grand slam, and a double from Sofia Valenti that brought in one more run. Colby wasn't done yet; they tacked on eight more runs in the fourth inning, including a two-RBI double from Tess Polad and three RBIs from Valenti, who also doubled.

On the mound, Mia Rauzi started for Colby, allowing just five hits and two runs (none earned) in four innings while striking out three and walking one. In relief, Amia Alexander-Sims pitched a hitless inning, striking out one. For Fort Hays, pitcher Mikaela Renteria struggled, giving up 13 hits and 18 runs (15 earned) over four innings.

Colby had a total of 13 hits, with Haskell, Supernor, Valenti, Funk, and Polad each collecting two. The team was also aggressive on the bases, stealing three bases and drawing six walks.

Game 2: Lady Trojans Shut Out Fort Hays, 8-0

The second game of the double-header was another strong performance by Colby, who shut out Fort Hays, 8-0. Colby wasted no time in taking control of the game, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Tiffani Mein’s three-run home run to center field was the big blow, followed by a double from Haskell that brought in one more run.

Colby added to their lead in the second inning, with Paige Pierce and Kylan Sorenson each hitting RBI doubles, pushing the score to 6-0.

In the circle, Katelyn Zukewich was dominant for Colby, tossing three innings of no-hit ball while striking out three and walking none. Amia Alexander-Sims came on in relief, pitching two more scoreless innings, giving up no hits, striking out two, and walking just one.

Offensively, Colby finished with 11 hits. Mein led the way, driving in three RBIs, while Haskell, Sorenson, Bailey Jackson, and Tess Polad all collected two hits. The team played flawless defense, committing no errors. Sorenson, who had the most chances in the field with six, was stellar at third base.

Looking Ahead

Following their tough losses to Colby, Fort Hays Tech is preparing for their next challenge. The team will be facing Seward County on Thursday, April 10. They will be looking to bounce back from these defeats and gain some momentum as they continue their season.

The Lady Trojans move forward with confidence as they prepare for their next matchup against the Butler Community College Grizzlies on April 12. Colby’s solid all-around performance in both games shows they are ready to continue their strong season.

If Wednesday’s double-header was any indication, Colby is a team to watch this season as they continue to dominate on both sides of the ball. The Lady Trojans’ ability to hit for power, play disciplined defense, and execute on the mound makes them a formidable opponent in any matchup.

Be sure to catch the next game and support the Lady Trojans as they look to keep their momentum going!