Softball Takes Down No. 24 McCook Behind Zukewich to Earn Split

MCCOOK, Neb. - Colby battled No. 24 McCook to a split in Monday's (April 13) doubleheader, dropping a 5–1 decision in Game 1 before responding with a 4–3 victory in Game 2. After being limited offensively in the opener, the Trojans bounced back behind a pivotal four-run third inning and a complete-game effort in the circle to salvage the split against the nationally ranked Indians.

Game 1

Colby softball dropped Game 1 of its series with No. 24 McCook falling 5–1 on Monday afternoon despite an even hit total.

Both teams opened the game locked in a pitcher's duel, as Colby's Cheyenne Cramer and McCook's Paige Warren traded scoreless innings through the first two frames. McCook broke through in the bottom of the third inning, taking advantage of a Colby defensive miscue. After putting runners on, the Indians capitalized on an error to plate two unearned runs and take a 2–0 lead.

The Trojans answered in the top of the fourth inning when Briley Christensen delivered a solo home run to left field, cutting the deficit to 2–1 and providing Colby's only run of the game.

McCook responded in the bottom of the fifth, using timely baserunning and pressure at the plate to extend its lead. The Indians pushed across three runs in the inning—once again taking advantage of free passes and defensive miscues—to make it 5–1. Colby was unable to generate further offense down the stretch, as Warren retired the final innings without allowing a walk to secure the complete-game victory.

Colby finished with five hits, getting one apiece from Christensen (1-for-3, HR, RBI), Olivia Wirth (1-for-4), Aly Richardson (1-for-3), Brooklynn Ekker (1-for-3), and Ella McDonald (1-for-3). In the circle, Cheyenne Cramer (11–5) went five innings, allowing five runs, just one earned, on six hits while striking out five and walking four. Leone Suamatai'a added a scoreless inning of relief.

McCook also totaled five hits but made them count. Paige Warren and Josie Wright led the way with two hits each, while Lyndsay Keogh went 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. The Indians worked four walks and capitalized on five Colby errors in the win

Game 2

Colby then responded in a big way in Game 2 of the doubleheader, using a four-run third inning to defeat No. 24 McCook, 4–3, and earn a split on the day.

McCook struck first in the bottom of the opening inning, stringing together a pair of singles to jump out to an early 2–0 lead. Lyndsay Keogh delivered the key hit in the inning, driving in a run to give the Indians early momentum.

After being held quiet through the first two innings, the Trojans flipped the game in the top of the third with a decisive offensive burst. Brooklynn Ekker got things started with an RBI single to bring Colby within one. Later in the inning, Briley Christensen delivered the biggest swing of the day, launching a three-run home run to center field to give the Trojans a 4–2 lead.

McCook answered with a run in the bottom half of the third to cut the deficit to 4–3, but that would be as close as the Indians would get.

From there, Katelyn Zukewich settled in and took control in the circle as she tossed a complete game, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits while striking out four and walking three. 

Colby finished with nine hits in the win, led by Ekker, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI and a double. Olivia Wirth added a strong performance at the top of the lineup, going 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Christensen drove in three runs with her third-inning home run.