Softball Sweeps Fort Hays Tech NW in High-Scoring Doubleheader

COLBY, Kan. - The Colby softball team picked up a pair of conference victories Sunday (March 8) afternoon, sweeping Fort Hays Tech Northwest in a doubleheader at home. 

Game 1

The Colby Community College baseball team broke open a tight contest with a huge fourth inning to defeat Fort Hays Tech Northwest 15–7 in the opening game. In what started as a back-and-forth battle, the Trojans used a nine-run explosion in the bottom of the fourth inning to pull away and secure the win.

Colby struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Pavlov delivered an RBI single to give the Trojans an early 1–0 advantage. Fort Hays Tech Northwest responded in the second, however, as Kamalani doubled down the right field line and Laumoana followed with a single to center, each driving in two runs to give the Tigers a 4–1 lead. The Trojans answered in the bottom half of the inning. A groundout by Ekker brought a run across before Jackson added an RBI single to cut the deficit to 4–3.

Fort Hays Tech Northwest extended the lead again in the third inning when Lagai delivered an RBI single to make it 5–3. Colby quickly responded in the bottom of the frame as Supernor launched a home run to left field and Wirth later stole home, tying the game and shifting momentum back toward the Trojans.

The Tigers briefly reclaimed the lead in the fourth inning after a sacrifice fly from Yates and a Colby error plated two runs to make it 7–5. That lead didn't last long.

Colby erupted for nine runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take control of the game. Christensen started the rally with an RBI single before Supernor drove in two more runs with another single. Pezely added an RBI single, Davis followed with a two-run base hit, and a Tiger error brought home two additional runs. Christensen capped the inning with a sacrifice bunt that plated another run as the Trojans surged ahead for good.

Suamatai'a earned the win on the mound for Colby, tossing four innings while allowing seven runs, five earned, on four hits while striking out six and walking five. Cramer provided strong relief work for the Trojans, throwing a scoreless inning while striking out three and allowing no hits.

Colby totaled 14 hits in the contest, led by Jackson who drove in three runs while going 2-for-4 at the plate. Zinken paced the Trojans with three hits in four at-bats, while Wirth and Supernor each recorded multi-hit performances. Zinken also swiped two bases as Colby finished the game with three stolen bases.

Game 2

The Trojans completed a doubleheader sweep of conference rival Fort Hays Tech Northwest Saturday afternoon with another high-scoring performance, defeating the Tigers 15–7 in game two.

Much like the opening game, the Trojans used a big inning to create separation. Colby erupted for eight runs in the fourth inning, turning a tight contest into a comfortable victory.

Fort Hays Tech Northwest struck first in the top of the first inning. Dehner opened the scoring with an RBI single to center field before Tufugafale added another run with a groundout to give the Tigers a 2–0 advantage.

Colby responded quickly in the bottom half of the inning. A wild pitch allowed three Trojans to cross the plate before Richardson delivered an RBI double, giving Colby a 4–2 lead after the first inning. The Tigers answered again in the second inning, reclaiming the lead at 5–4 after Mecham drove in two runs with a single and Dehner added an RBI double.

Christensen quickly shifted momentum back to the Trojans in the bottom of the second inning, blasting a home run to center field to put Colby back on top 7–5. Fort Hays Tech Northwest tied the game once more in the third inning when Kamalani delivered an RBI double following a lengthy seven-pitch at-bat, knotting the game at 7–7.

Colby took control of the game in the fourth inning with an offensive outburst. Malone started the rally with an RBI single before Zukewich launched a three-run home run to right field. Richardson later added a sacrifice fly and Zinken capped the inning with a three-run homer to left field, pushing the Trojans comfortably in front.

Trujillo earned the victory on the mound for Colby, allowing five hits and seven runs, five earned, across four innings while striking out two and walking six. Zukewich also contributed on the mound in relief, tossing a scoreless inning while allowing no hits and striking out two.

Offensively, the Trojans received contributions throughout the lineup. Pezely, Christensen, Zukewich, Richardson, Zinken, and Malone each recorded a hit in the contest. Christensen also demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing three walks as Colby finished the game with 12 walks overall. The Trojans were aggressive on the bases as well, swiping five stolen bases in the game. Sabatka led the way with two steals as Colby continued to apply pressure throughout the contest.

With the pair of wins, the Trojans secured the doubleheader sweep and continued their strong play in conference action. Colby will now look to carry that momentum forward as the Trojans continue their conference schedule Wednesday (March 11) in Pratt.