Kansas City
South Dakota
South Dakota Takes Two From the ?Roos
4/30/2015 11:29:00 PM | Softball
VERMILLION, S.D. – UMKC was the beneficiary of three home runs from three different players but it was not enough to overcome seven South Dakota runs in the game's first two innings, as the hosts dropped the 'Roos (27-26, 6-7) 7-4 in game two, completing the doubleheader sweep after a 4-3 victory in game one on Thursday.
Katie Kelley got UMKC off on the right foot in the final game of the day, following a Kendra Leach single with her 16th home run of the season, a two-run shot, to put the visitors up 2-0 after a half-inning.
After the Coyotes took a 7-2 lead after two, Kendra Leach and Marlee Maples both delivered solo shots to ultimately pull the 'Roos within a run, but no closer. The home run for Leach was the first of her career. Meanwhile, Maples' long ball was her career-best 10th of the season.
Game one was a completely different affair for both teams, as South Dakota was largely puzzled by UMKC pitcher Amber Grove who entered the seventh inning having allowed just one earned run. Conversely, the 'Roos were equally befuddled by Coyote hurler Madison Frain.
Unfortunately for UMKC, the wheels came off in the bottom of the seventh, as South Dakota chased Grove from the game and ultimately plated a pair of runs to walk off with the victory.
The visit to South Dakota caps the 'Roos' regular season slate. The team will begin play as the No. 2 seed at the WAC Tournament next weekend.
