GAME 1 BOX | GAME 2 BOX

MARSHALL, Minn. - Rachel Hoeppner tossed a combined 8 2/3 innings allowing just one earned run and earned the victory in both games to lead Southwest Minnesota State to a sweep over the University of Mary in NSIC softball on Sunday at Mustang Field. SMSU won the first game 10-2 in five innings, then rallied to earn a 4-3 victory in game two.

In the opener, U-Mary (18-11, 3-3 NSIC) scored the game's first run with a two-out RBI single in the second inning, but it was all SMSU (6-16, 3-3 NSIC) after that.

SMSU answered in a big way in the third inning loading the bases with one out following a walk, an error and a hit by pitch. Morgan Peterson then coaxed a walk with the bases loaded to tie the game at 1-1, before Jazmyne Neely cleared the bases with a double in the left centerfield gap to give SMSU a 4-1 lead. Following a strikeout, Jennifer Johnson came through a clutch two-out double to score Neely and extend the lead to 5-1.

U-Mary scored an unearned run in the fourth before SMSU once again had a response and pushed across three more runs. Chelsey Rodenkirch started the scoring with an RBI double to score Hoeppner before Neely smacked an RBI single to score Elissa Reisma and on the play Peterson came around to score following an error by the U-Mary left fielder to make the score 8-2.

SMSU ended the game via eight-run rule in the fifth – the Mustangs first run-rule win of the season – on an RBI single by Reinsma and a sac fly by Neely.

Hoeppner allowed two runs (one earned) in the opener with one strikeout and one walk, while allowing four hits. She also finished 2 for 2 at the plate with three runs scored. Neely also had a big game going 2 for 3 with a career-high five RBIs, while Alysse Luttmann, Reinsma and Peterson each scored two runs.

In game two, the Marauders jumped out to an early two-run lead plating single runs in both the first and second innings off of Mustang starting pitcher Alex O'Connor. Following a scoreless third, U-Mary added to the lead with a one-out RBI double to make the score 3-0 and ending the day for O'Connor, as Hoeppner entered the game with a runner at second. She ended the threat with a ground out and pop-out sandwich around a single to keep the deficit at three runs.

SMSU then started the comeback in the bottom of the fourth with Neely smacking a one-out double and was followed by a walk to Kailey Hanson to bring the tying run to the plate. Following a pitching change, a fielder's choice put runners on the corners with two outs. Pinch runner Shelbie Stoll stole second putting a pair of runners in scoring position before Karmann Carroll hit a big two-run single to trim the U-Mary lead to 3-2.

Hoeppner then retired the Marauders quickly in order in the fifth on just three pitches and the Mustangs used the momentum to take the lead in the home half of the inning.

Alysse Luttman started the frame with an infield single before Rodenkirch doubled to left field moving Luttman to third. SMSU then failed on a squeeze bunt attempt with Luttman being thrown out at the plate. Rondenkirch moved to third on the bunt play and that proved to be huge as Reinsma struck out moments later but on the throw attempt to first base the ball hit Reinsma in the back allowing Rondenkirch to score and Reinsma to reach base. Reinsma then promptly stole second and later scored on a Peterson single to left field and a misplay by the left fielder to give SMSU a 4-3 lead.

U-Mary threatened in the sixth putting runners on second and third with two outs, but Hoeppner closed the inning with a fly out to right to keep SMSU in the lead. She then closed the game with a five-pitch seventh inning, stranding the tying run at second base.

Hoeppner (4-7) pitched the final 3 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and throwing just 24 pitches, including 21 for strikes. She did not record a strikeout or walk a batter. O'Connor tossed the first 3 1/3 innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits.

SMSU finished with eight hits with Rodenkirch, Peterson and Neely each finishing with two hits each.

Southwest Minnesota State continues NSIC play on Tuesday with a road doubleheader versus Minnesota State starting at 2 p.m.