Comets rock Dodge City Community College, extend school-record win streak to 11

The Cottey Comets stretched their win streak to 11 games with Wednesday's double-header sweep of visiting Dodge City (Kan.) Community College. The Comets returned to the diamond after a nearly two week layoff, and showed little signs of rust in the opener, throttling Dodge City 18-2, in a five inning run-ruled contest. Cottey then prevailed in the nightcap, 15-9.

"The win streak is the longest in program history," noted Cottey head coach, Mark Skapin, adding, "I'm extremely proud of how the team hit the ball today — after being out for a week during spring break without practice. Between the weather and spring break, we haven't had enough time to get to a consistent point on defense, so the offense is completing carrying us right now. The team had a blast today, and were able to come in with the right mindset after the long layoff."

In the opener, Cottey ace Kirsten Wallace spun four innings of one-run ball, improving to 5-1. At the dish, third baseman Alexis Riley-Cello led the 18-run charge, slugging a pair of home runs and driving in six. Cottey catcher Rayne Wright finished 2-for-4, with four RBI, and three runs scored, while Lindsey Boord drove in two.

Skapin said he was impressed with his club's offensive prowess, churning out 18 runs and 15 hits in just four innings of offense.

"We scored five runs in the first inning to set the tone, and never looked back," said the second-year head coach.

In the nightcap, Boord torched Dodge City pitching, as the freshman infielder out of Kansas City smacked a pair of home runs, en route to a 4-for-5, four RBI day at the dish. Meanwhile, Cottey outfielder Jackie Nix tacked on a grand slam and five RBI. In addition, Riley-Cello finished 4-for-4 with three runs scored, as the Comets tallied 20 base knocks, with seven of those the extra base variety.

Skapin said his squad didn't play particularly well defensively, but that they made up for it at the plate, as Cottey has now plated 64 runs over the course of its last four contests.

In the circle for Cottey, Wheaton native Emily Killion (5-1) struck out six over four innings of work. Wallace then came on for the final three innings, striking out four en route to the save.

Up next

The Comets will look to extend their school-record win streak when they travel to Union, Missouri for a pair of contests with East Central College, March 22-23.