SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Parkside softball team rounded out the Drury Classic on Sunday. The Rangers played in two games, opening the day against Minnesota State Moorhead then closing it out against Minnesota Duluth. The Rangers picked up a massive 10-0 win behind a no hitter from pitcher
Ellie Curtis against Minnesota Moorhead. Minnesota Duluth would get the better of the Rangers, topping them 3-0 in the final game.
Game One – Minnesota Moorhead
The Parkside softball team put together a commanding performance on both sides of the ball, securing a dominant 10-0 win over Minnesota State Moorhead. Behind strong pitching and an explosive offensive effort, the Rangers controlled the game from start to finish.
The Rangers broke the scoreless tie in the top of the second inning when
Eden Welling delivered a clutch two-RBI single to center field, driving in
Kate Harrison and
Reese Valha. That early breakthrough gave Parkside a 2-0 lead.
They continued to pile on in the third, capitalizing on timely hitting and Moorhead's defensive struggles.
Megan Medlin singled to right field to bring in
Rylee Baetz, extending the lead to 3-0.
Ava Swain followed up with an RBI single, and Valha drew a bases-loaded walk, adding another run to make it 5-0. A groundout RBI by
Taylor Utrata capped off the four-run inning, putting Parkside up 6-0.
The Rangers put the game out of reach in the fourth inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from
Haley Remington. Medlin's RBI single set the stage before Remington crushed a ball to right field, clearing the bases and pushing the lead to double digits at 10-0.
While the Parkside offense lit up the scoreboard,
Ellie Curtis was untouchable in the circle. The right-hander stifled the Dragons' lineup, allowing no hits over five innings while striking out three. Her efficiency and command ensured that MSU Moorhead never found an offensive rhythm.
Game Two – Minnesota Duluth
The Rangers fought hard but was unable to generate enough offense in a 3-0 defeat against Minnesota Dulut. Despite multiple opportunities with runners on base, the Rangers could not break through against the Bulldogs' pitching staff.
Minnesota Duluth struck first in the bottom of the first inning after a hit-by-pitch and a stolen base set up an RBI single for Duluth. The Bulldogs extended their lead on a two-run home run to right field, making it 3-0 before the Rangers could escape the inning.
Parkside had opportunities to respond, with
Megan Medlin doubling to right-center to lead off the second inning. However, the Bulldogs' defense held firm, stranding three Rangers on base to keep Parkside scoreless.
In the fourth,
Eden Welling doubled to left-center, putting two runners in scoring position, but once again, the Rangers were unable to push a run across. The trend continued in the sixth when
Taylor Utrata reached on a walk, and Parkside loaded the bases after an error, but a pop-up ended the threat.
After the early runs, Parkside's pitching and defense settled in.
Olivia Masnica and the Rangers' defense kept Minnesota Duluth off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game, turning a key double play in the third inning and another in the fifth to keep the deficit at three runs. The scoreline would remain the same as the Rangers would fall to the Bulldogs 3-0.
Up Next
The Rangers will now prep for another trip down to Missouri on Friday as they are set to take on Lincoln University of Missouri. Friday's first pitch of the doubleheader is set for 12 p.m. CST. Coverage can be found at ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
