CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. – After a tough loss earlier in the day to Central Methodist, Grand View needed a response — and they found one. Facing No. 8 seeded Baker University in their third game of the Heart of America Conference Tournament, the Vikings delivered in dramatic fashion, walking off the Wildcats with a 4-3 victory in nine innings.
GRAND VIEW 4, BAKER (KS) 3 (9 INN.)
Grand View wasted no time setting the tone.
Elle Nelsen sparked the offense in the opening frame, and
Nevaeh Randall delivered the big swing — ripping a two-RBI double to left center to score Nelsen and
Grace Anderson. Moments later,
Alexia Jarrett grounded out to bring Randall home, giving the Vikings an early 3-0 advantage.
In the circle,
Caedence Risius handled the early innings well, keeping the Wildcats off balance through four scoreless frames. Baker broke through in the fifth, taking advantage of a defensive miscue before Gracie Gallagher lined a two-RBI double down the right field line to even the score at 3-3.
With momentum hanging in the balance,
Molly Breeding entered in relief — and completely took control.
Breeding was dominant across five shutout innings, allowing just three hits while striking out six and not issuing a single walk. Time and time again, she silenced Baker threats and gave the Vikings a chance to reclaim the lead.
Grand View continued to apply pressure offensively, tallying 11 hits on the night. Nelson led the charge with three hits and two runs scored, while Anderson and Randall each added two hits of their own.
Still, the game remained deadlocked into the ninth inning.
That's when the Vikings delivered their biggest moment.
Nelsen once again ignited the offense, reaching base to set the stage. Anderson stepped to the plate and came through in the clutch, lining a single down the right field line to bring Nelsen home and seal the 4-3 walk-off victory.
It was resilience. It was response. And it was exactly what Grand View needed to keep its tournament run alive.
GAME NOTES
•
Molly Breeding earned the win (5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 6 K).
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Caedence Risius allowed just two earned runs over four innings of work.
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Elle Nelsen went 3-for-5 with two runs scored.
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Nevaeh Randall recorded two hits, including a two-RBI double.
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Grace Anderson finished with two hits and the game-winning RBI.
• Grand View totaled 11 hits in the victory.
UP NEXT
Grand View advances in the Heart of America Conference Tournament and will look to build on the momentum as they face No. 6 William Woods for the second time in the tournament. First pitch is set to start at 2:30 PM, tomorrow, May 2
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