DUBUQUE, IOWA – Grand View Softball capped its regular season with a sweep at Clarke University Saturday afternoon, extending its shutout streak from Friday's performances, before finishing with a run-rule victory. Powered by an explosive day from
Nevaeh Randall and strong pitching across both games, the Vikings defeated Clarke 3-0 and 12-1 to close the regular season on a high note.
GAME 1 | GRAND VIEW 3, CLARKE 0
Madi Huisman set the tone early, working around minimal trouble and keeping Clarke off balance. Huisman struck out seven, scattered five hits, and did not allow a run over seven complete innings. She punctuated her outing with a dominant second inning, striking out the side to send an early message to the Pride.
Grand View's offense took over in the fourth. After
Olivia Kyes worked a leadoff walk and stole second,
Nevaeh Randall provided the breakthrough in the form of a dugout pleasing two-run home run to left field to put the Vikings on top, 2-0.
The Vikings added an insurance run in the fifth.
Chloe Kottlowski dropped down a bunt single, stole second, and scored when
Olivia Harmon sent a double into the left center gap to stretch the lead to 3-0.
Aggressive baserunning kept the pressure on Clarke, as Grand View stole five bases, and defensively, the Vikings turned in a clean performance with no errors, ending the game on a double play.
GAME 2 | GRAND VIEW 12, CLARKE 1 (5 INNINGS)
The Vikings carried their momentum into Game 2, breaking things open late to secure a dominant 12-1 run-rule victory over Clarke in five innings.
After taking an early lead with a run in the second and three more in the third, Grand View exploded for eight runs in the fifth to put the game out of reach.
Nevaeh Randall capped the outburst with her second home run of the day, a powerful three-run shot to center field that made it 12-0.
Randall finished 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs, while
Olivia Kyes was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, scoring twice and setting the table for the Vikings' big innings.
Kylie Merical also turned in a huge game, going 2-for-2 with 4 RBIs, including a two-run double in the third and a two-run single during the fifth-inning rally.
Chloe Kottlowski added two hits, two RBIs, and scored twice.
Madeline Waldorf earned the win in the circle, tossing a complete-game five-hitter. She struck out four and limited Clarke to just one run, keeping the Pride off balance throughout the contest.
In total, Grand View racked up 13 hits, stole another two bases, and committed no errors defensively to close the regular season in dominant fashion.
GAME NOTES
- Nevaeh Randall had a standout performance with 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, 3 runs, and 12 putouts at first base.
- Madi Huisman was dominant in Game 1, throwing a shutout with 7 strikeouts and allowing just 5 hits.
- Kylie Merical, Olivia Kyes, and Chloe Kottlowski were key contributors at the plate, helping drive the offense.
- Grand View finished their final regular season series with 18 hits, 7 stolen bases, and no errors defensively.
UP NEXT
The Vikings will compete in the Heart of America Conference Tournament Thursday, May 1st, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Matchups and seedings will be announced once all regular-season games are finalized.
