HESSTON, Kan. – The Hesston College softball team dropped a doubleheader to McPherson College at Bess Mullet Field on Thursday (Mar. 19) with scores of 5-14 and 2-9. The Larks battled in both contests but struggled to shut down the Bulldog offense. The Larks moved to 2-22 on the season and will hit the road on Saturday (Mar. 21) for their first conference doubleheader against Haskell Indian Nations University starting at 2 p.m.
Game 1 – Hesston College 5, McPherson College 14
The Hesston College softball team dropped a 14-5 decision to McPherson College in a five-inning contest in Game 1. The Bulldogs established control early, scoring two runs in each of the first four innings to steadily build a lead before erupting for six runs in the fifth to put the game out of reach.
Despite the early deficit, the Larks continued to battle at the plate. Hesston answered with a run in the bottom of the first and added another in the third before putting together their strongest inning in the fourth. The Larks strung together timely hits and situational at-bats to score three runs in the frame, trimming the margin and creating brief momentum heading into the final inning.
Chloe Merjil led the offensive effort for Hesston, finishing 2-for-2 with three RBIs, a sacrifice fly and two stolen bases, accounting for the majority of the Larks’ run production. Hesston collected six hits as a team and showed patience at times, but struggled to consistently string together offense against a McPherson staff that limited big innings.
McPherson’s lineup proved difficult to contain throughout the game, totaling 11 hits and taking advantage of seven walks and extra-base production, including four triples. The Bulldogs were especially effective with runners on base, consistently turning opportunities into runs and delivering multiple two-out RBIs to keep pressure on the Larks’ defense.
In the circle, Hesston used multiple pitchers across the five innings, combining for 14 runs allowed on 11 hits, while McPherson’s pitching staff held the Larks to five runs on six hits.
Game 2 – Hesston College 2, McPherson College 9
The Hesston College softball team fell 9-2 to McPherson College in the second game of the doubleheader. The Larks struck first with a strong opening inning, plating two runs to take an early lead, but the Bulldogs responded quickly with a six-run second inning that shifted the momentum for the remainder of the game.
After the explosive second inning, McPherson continued to apply steady pressure, adding two more runs in the fourth and another in the fifth while holding Hesston scoreless over the final six innings. Despite collecting six hits on the day, the Larks were unable to string together sustained offense against a McPherson pitching staff that did not allow an earned run and limited free passes.
Hesston found early success at the plate, but struggled to capitalize on opportunities as the game progressed. The Larks scattered six hits in the contest including an RBI single from Skye Gomez.
McPherson’s offense proved consistent throughout the contest, totaling 13 hits, including five doubles, and delivering timely hitting with runners on base. The Bulldogs capitalized on key moments, particularly in the second inning, and added insurance runs later to maintain control.
In the circle, Hesston pitchers combined to allow nine runs on 13 hits across seven innings, while McPherson’s staff kept the Larks in check after the opening frame.
