CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – Grand View Softball opened the Heart of America Conference Tournament with a statement win Thursday afternoon, blanking William Penn 7-0 behind a complete performance in all phases. Powered by a strong outing from
Madi Huisman in the circle and timely extra-base hits, the Vikings advanced in the winner's bracket in commanding fashion.
Madi Huisman was in control from the start, tossing a complete-game shutout while scattering four hits and striking out four. Huisman allowed just three walks and faced minimal trouble throughout the contest, earning the win and leading the Vikings to the next round of the conference tournament.
After a scoreless first, Grand View broke through in the second.
Samantha Holbert singled, advanced on a hit from
Gabriella Taber, and came around to score on a sacrifice fly from
Kylie Merical to make it 1-0.
The Vikings pulled away in the fourth with a four-run rally. Holbert again sparked the offense with a single and a stolen base, followed by an RBI double from Taber. Merical added an RBI double of her own, and
Chloe Kottlowski capped the inning with a two-run double to center field that extended the lead to 5-0.
Grand View tacked on two more in the fifth behind hits from
Nevaeh Randall, Holbert, and Taber. Holbert's RBI double scored
Nevaeh Randall, who reached on a single, and Taber followed with another single to plate Holbert, making it 7-0.
Holbert and Taber each went 3-for-3 at the plate driving the offense, while Merical and Kottlowski added two RBIs apiece.
Defensively, Grand View was flawless, turning a double play and committing no errors for the second straight game.
GAME NOTES
•
Madi Huisman completed the 7-inning shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out four.
•
Samantha Holbert went 3-for-3 with 3 runs scored, 1 RBI, a double, and a stolen base.
•
Gabriella Taber finished 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs, a double, and a run scored.
•
Chloe Kottlowski and
Kylie Merical each drove in two runs with key doubles in the fourth.
• Grand View played error-free defense and turned a double play in the third inning.
UP NEXT
Grand View advances in the Heart of America Conference Tournament and will face Park University Friday, May 2, at 2:30 PM in Cedar Rapids.
