DES MOINES, IOWA – Grand View kicked off their home opener with an exhilarating doubleheader against Park University, a series that lived up to its designation as the Heart of America Conference Series of the Week. The Vikings narrowly secured victories in both contests, edging out the Pirates 4-3 in the first game and 4-2 in the second.
GAME 1 | GRAND VIEW 4, PARK 3
The Vikings came out strong with defense, ignited by their catcher,
Samantha Holbert, who wasted no time avenging a leadoff walk, throwing out the runner trying to steal second. In the bottom of the first, Grand View took the lead when
Olivia Harmon scored on a sacrifice fly by
Reese Cooley.
Park answered in the third with a two-run homer to grab the lead and then added another run in the fourth off a bases-loaded walk.
The key to Grand View's victory was its defense, which remained flawless throughout the game.
Olivia Kyes made a highlight-reel play in the top of the sixth, laying out for a ground ball at third base and, while on her knees, firing a perfect throw to first for the out.
Down by three, Grand View wasn't backing down. After two quick outs in the bottom of the sixth, the top of the lineup stepped up. Harmon earned her third walk of the game, and Kyes followed with a clutch double, putting both runners in scoring position.
Nevaeh Randall was ready. She lined up the perfect pitch and sent it sailing over the left-field fence for a game-changing three-run homer, giving the Vikings a 4-3 lead.
The Pirates still had a chance, but center fielder
Olivia Harmon made a statement with a diving catch on a line drive for the first out of the final inning.
Molly Breeding wrapped things up forcing a groundout and a flyout and sealing the 4-3 victory for the Vikings.
Breeding picked up the win, pitching 3.1 innings after coming in for
Madeline Waldorf in the fourth. She allowed just one hit, no runs, and made sure the defense kept things clean down the stretch.
GAME 2 | GRAND VIEW 4, PARK 2
Park struck first in the second game, bringing in a runner with an RBI single during a bases-loaded situation, giving them a 1-0 lead. But the Vikings were ready to answer. Back-to-back RBI doubles from
Nevaeh Randall and
Samantha Holbert scored
Olivia Kyes and Randall, respectively, putting Grand View on top 2-1.
The next five innings were all about the Vikings' defense, which was flawless throughout.
Chloe Kottlowski made a key play in the second inning, reaching out to scoop a tough grounder and throwing the batter out at first.
Olivia Harmon showed off her athleticism in center field, making two put-outs in the third inning. And in the sixth,
Madi Huisman finished with a strikeout looking, leaving two Pirates stranded on second and third.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Vikings added some insurance runs.
Kylie Merical and
Gabriella Taber each singled, setting the stage for Harmon, who sent a shot to right field for a two-RBI double, scoring both Merical and Taber.
Park got one run back in the top of the seventh, but Grand View's defense held strong, securing the 4-2 victory to sweep the day.
Madi Huisman was dominant in the circle, pitching all seven innings. She allowed six hits, two runs, and struck out five, sealing the win for the Vikings.
GAME NOTES
- Nevaeh Randall was a force at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, and 4 RBIs.
- Samantha Holbert was a consistent presence, going 4-for-6 with 2 RBIs.
- Olivia Harmon had an excellent day in the field and showed patience at the plate, drawing 4 walks and driving in 2 RBIs.
- The Vikings recorded 15 hits, while Park managed 11.
- Grand View scored in both the first and sixth innings of each game, starting and finishing strong.
- The Viking's defense was sharp, committing just 1 error across both games and producing a series of highlight-worthy plays.
- With the victories, Grand View has taken over the top spot in the conference, now leading with a perfect 4-0 record in Heart play.
UP NEXT
Grand View will continue Heart of America Conference play on Friday, March 28th, hosting a doubleheader against Baker University. The games are scheduled for 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM at Richard O. Jacobson Field in Des Moines, IA.
