By:Patrick Hall Monday, 19 February, 2007

The PCC Softball Team found an early season rhythm over the weekend in Wichita, winning two of three ball games against Rose State and Crowder Community College. The Beavers split with Rose St., winning 6-1 in the opener and dropping the rematch 5-3. Pratt now stands at 2-3 with the additional 5-2 victory over Crowder.

Saturday began with a superb pitching effort from Giselle Guzman from Mexico City. Guzman threw 7 strikeouts and allowed only one run. She now has an ERA of 1.50 for two and a half games.

Guzman got a lot of support at the plate, as the Beavers got three RBI from both Jeanae Ricke and Jen Reifschneider. Ricke went 7 for 8 for a .875 average. Reifshneider hit .400. Brooke Bell also drove in a run with a double and hit 3 for 7.

Pratt kept their momentum going in the second contest against Crowder Community College (MO). Beaver ace Alisha Neuschwanger picked up the win.

The game was tied going into the fifth, when Pratt put together a four run, two out rally. Amie Osner started things off by walking and stealing second. Luisa Escobar then singled to put two on. Jeanae Ricke also singled, driving in Osner. Andrea McAfee then drove in Escobar and Ricke with another single. Jen Reifschneider followed with a double that scored McAfee.

On Sunday, Pratt had trouble maintaining the focus required for the sweep. Facing Rose State for the second time, the Beavers gave up three runs in the first and dropped the game 5-3. Freshman Amber Younger got the loss.

“While not a defining moment, this was still a very good weekend for us,” said Head Coach Ron Hill. “We’re definitely showing improvement, and I think the team now sees where we can be. Our pitching is developing good command and throwing strikes. Our defense is playing with more confidence. And offensively we’ve got our slappers doing a great job of getting on base and in scoring position.”

Pratt opens their home season this Thursday when they host Northern Oklahoma College in a double header at 2:00 and 4:00.