CANTON, MO – Grand View Softball split its road doubleheader against Culver-Stockton College, opening the day with a power-fueled win before the Wildcats answered in Game 2. The Vikings leaned on timely hitting and a dominant performance in the circle early, but struggled to recreate the same offensive rhythm in the finale. GAME 1 | GRAND VIEW 5, CULVER-STOCKTON 4 Grand View wasted no time setting the tone, striking early behind the bat of Nevaeh Randall. After Elle Nelsen reached after two quick outs to spark the inning, Randall launched a two-run home run to center field, giving the Vikings a quick 2-0 advantage.
Randall wasn't finished. In the third inning, following a Gabriella Taber base runner, she delivered again—this time sending her second home run of the game to double the lead to 4-0.
Culver-Stockton chipped away in the bottom of the third with an RBI triple, and added more pressure in the fourth with a two-run homer to cut the Viking lead to 5-3. In between, Grand View found a key insurance run as Nelsen delivered an RBI single down the left field line, scoring Chloe Kottlowski.
The Wildcats continued to threaten, adding a sacrifice fly in the sixth to make it a one-run game, but Madeline Waldorf remained composed in the circle. Despite steady pressure and nine hits allowed, Waldorf worked out of multiple situations to keep the Vikings in front.
Grand View's defense backed her up throughout, turning three double plays to halt Culver-Stockton momentum and preserve the narrow lead.
Waldorf went the distance, earning the win after striking out eight and allowing four runs. Randall led the offensive charge with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, two home runs, and four RBIs. GAME 2 | CULVER-STOCKTON 5, GRAND VIEW 1 Game 2 opened as a pitcher's duel, with both teams held scoreless through the first two innings. The Vikings broke through in the third when Gabriella Taber drove a double to right field, bringing home Grace Anderson for an early 1-0 lead.
The Wildcats answered immediately in the bottom half, tying the game on an RBI groundout, and the momentum began to shift.
After a quiet stretch offensively for Grand View, Culver-Stockton capitalized in the fifth inning. A two-RBI single gave the Wildcats their first lead of the game, and they added insurance in the sixth with a two-run double to extend the advantage to 5-1.
The Vikings were unable to respond offensively, finishing with five hits and no walks on the game. Culver-Stockton pitcher Cabria Childers kept Grand View off balance throughout, limiting scoring opportunities and closing out the win.
Caedence Risius took the loss in the circle, allowing three runs over 4.2 innings of work. Molly Breeding came on in relief, striking out two. GAME NOTES
• Nevaeh Randall powered Game 1 with two home runs and 4 RBIs on a perfect 3-for-3 game.
• Madeline Waldorf struck out 8 in a complete-game effort to secure the win.
• Elle Nelsen recorded multi-hit performances across the doubleheader.
• Gabriella Taber drove in the lone run in Game 2 with an RBI double.
• The Vikings totaled 14 hits across both games while committing zero errors defensively.
• Grand View turned three double plays in Game 1.
 
UP NEXT
The Vikings will travel to Baldwin City, KS. on Friday, April 3^rd, for a doubleheader against Baker University at 5:00 and 7:00 PM.