Mancuso, Roecker Power Omaha over IUPUI
May 13, 2016 | Softball
FARGO, N.D. – Behind the pitching of Laura Roecker and the bat of Lia Mancuso, the Omaha softball team opened Summit League Tournament play with a 6-1 victory over IUPUI at the Ellig Sports Complex in Fargo.
Omaha is now 30-27 overall, while IUPUI dropped to 18-34.
The Mavericks return to action on Friday against No. 1 seed North Dakota State at 1 p.m. The winner advances to the Summit League championship game on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Seniors Sydney Hames and Campbell Ditto hit back-to-back singles in the bottom of the first to get things started for Omaha. Hames came into score as freshman Kourtney Pock reached on an infield error. Ditto was forced out at third as junior Lizzie Noble reached on a fielder's choice. Senior Bailey Schulenberg cleared the bases with a double to left center as UNO jumped out to a 3-0 lead after an inning.
IUPUI had runners in scoring position in the second and third innings, but Roecker was able to get crucial strikeouts to keep the Jaguars off the board.
The Mavericks added two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Mancuso hit a solo home run to right center. Junior Nicole Warren drew a walk and stole second. Hames was robbed of a hit as the IUPUI center fielder made a diving catch. IUPUI reliever Kaitlynn Moody threw two wild pitches that allowed Warren to score.
The Jaguars put the first two batters on base in the top of the sixth, before Roecker struck out the next two batters. IUPUI loaded the bases with a walk, but Roecker was able to strikeout Delilah Wright to get out of trouble.
Mancuso led off the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run to center field to increase Omaha's lead, 6-0.
The Jaguars would not go down without a fight as Ali Mosier and Morgan Schlobohm opened the top of the seventh with back-to-back singles. Schlobohm was forced out at second as Taylor Chitwood reached on a fielder's choice. Mosier came into score on Kelly Patterson's double. Roecker settled down and retired the next batter to end the game.
Mancuso led the Mavericks at the plate with a 3-for-3 effort with two home runs and two RBI. Schulenberg went 2-for-2 with a double and two RBI. Ditto and Hames had singles.
Roecker (17-12) pitched a complete game allowing one run on nine hits and two walks with a career-high 11 strikeouts.
