OLATHE, KANSAS – Grand View controlled both sides of the game on Tuesday, sweeping MidAmerica Nazarene with a 3-1 win in Game 1 and a commanding 4-0 shutout in Game 2. Dominant pitching from
Madeline Waldorf and
Madi Huisman anchored the Vikings' success, as the duo combined for 13 strikeouts while allowing just one run across the 14 innings.
GAME 1 | GRAND VIEW 3, MIDAMERICA NAZERENE 1
Grand View set the tone early with a strong outing from
Madeline Waldorf, who kept the Pioneers in check with a complete-game performance. The right-hander allowed just three hits, struck out seven, and didn't surrender a walk, keeping MidAmerica Nazarene's offense quiet outside of a lone home run.
After two scoreless innings, the Vikings broke through in the third.
Kylie Merical reached base on a walk and advanced into scoring position, setting up
Olivia Kyes, who came through with an RBI double to put Grand View on the board.
In the sixth, the Vikings added insurance runs, capitalizing on MidAmerica Nazarene's defensive struggles.
Gabriella Taber delivered a single to bring in a run before a Pioneer error allowed another to score, extending the lead to 3-0.
The Pioneers' only response came in the bottom of the sixth off a solo homerun, but Waldorf stayed composed, retiring the next batters, with assistance from the Viking offense, to shut down the rally and seal the 3-1 victory.
GAME 2 | GRAND VIEW 4, MIDAMERICA NAZERENE 0
The Vikings carried their momentum into Game 2, striking early and never looking back in a dominant 4-0 shutout.
Madi Huisman was the difference maker in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout while striking out six and working around six hits to keep the Pioneers scoreless.
Nevaeh Randall wasted no time jumpstarting the offense, as she supplied a double in the first inning.
Samantha Holbert immediately followed with an RBI double, giving Grand View a quick 1-0 lead. The Vikings struck again in the second, as
Olivia Harmon delivered a clutch RBI single to bring home
Kylie Merical, who had drawn a walk to get on base.
Randall's impact continued in the third, reaching on a single before stealing second and eventually scoring on a fielder's choice from
Reese Cooley. The Vikings then tacked on their final run in the fourth, executing small ball to perfection as
Olivia Kyes laid down a sacrifice bunt to plate
Chloe Kottlowski.
Huisman remained in command throughout, keeping MidAmerica Nazarene's hitters off balance and working around the nine baserunners the Vikings' stranded with ease. Grand View's defense was rock-solid behind her, committing no errors and helping lock down the series sweep.
GAME NOTES
- The Vikings' pitching duo of Madeline Waldorf and Madi Huisman combined for 13 strikeouts and allowed just one run across both games.
- Olivia Kyes led the way offensively in Game 1, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
- Nevaeh Randall was a key spark in Game 2, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
- Chloe Kottlowski posted the best overall hitting percentage on the day, going 4-for-6, including a perfect 3-for-3 performance in Game 2.
- The Vikings recorded 13 hits in the series and played error-free defense in both games.
UP NEXT
Grand View returns home for a doubleheader at Richard O. Jacobson Field in Des Moines, IA, on Saturday, April 5, at 1:00 and 3:00 PM against Mount Mercy University.
