SPEARFISH, S.D. (April 2, 2021) - The Colorado State University Pueblo softball team swept its first two games of a four-game set at Black Hills State University Friday, winning game one 3-2 and came away with a 5-1 victory in game two at Yellow Jacket Field.

The Pack was led in both games by freshmen pitching. Oakleigh Kearby (Fr., Meridian, Idaho) went the distance in game one and allowed two runs on eight hits while tying her career-high with eight strikeouts. In game two, Sophia Lishner (Gilbert, Ariz.) gave up one run and scattered six hits and finished with three strikeouts.

For the day, Isabel Griego (Jr., Loveland, Colo.) collected four hits and an RBI.

Katelynn Ralston (Fr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) hit her third homerun of the season in the second inning of game two.

In the first game, CSU Pueblo manufactured one run in the first inning by playing small ball.

The Yellow Jackets tied the game in the third before CSU Pueblo regained the lead in the fifth inning on a sac flyout by Gabby Moreno (Sr., Scottsdale, Ariz.).

The ThunderWolves added another run in the seventh inning on a RBI-groundout from Jessica Teller (Jr., Firestone, Colo.).

Clinging to the two-run lead, Kearby gave up a leadoff double in the final at bat and a single cut into the ThunderWolves lead. With the tying run at second base, Kearby retired the final two batters and secured the 3-2, Pack win.

In game two, a four-run second inning proved as the difference for the Pack.

Ralston lead off the second inning with a solo homerun to right centerfield before three more runs would cross the plate, as the Pack took advantage of three defensive errors.

In the sixth, the ThunderWolves held a 4-1 lead before Ralston would come around and score again, thanks to a RBI-single from Marissa Piatt (Sr., San Luis Obispo, Calif.).

Lishner allowed one hit over the last two innings to earn the victory.

Coach Comments
"Today we competed and found a way to win. (Our) pitchers stepped up tremendously and threw extremely well," said Pack Head Coach Christie Koschke. "Defense made the plays and we found ways to get runs across on offense. Overall, a great day for Pack softball."

CSU Pueblo (9-9, 6-8 RMAC) will finish the series with another doubleheader Saturday. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. at Yellow Jacket Field.