Broncbusters drop Region VI opener to Seward County

By Mike Pilosof

El Dorado, KS-The last time Garden City faced Seward County, the Broncbusters knocked off the heavily-favored Saints.

Nearly a month later, the girls in green returned the favor.

Jordan Garrison and Jullian Attebery each hit home runs while Monique Ashley allowed just one hit as Seward County run ruled Garden City 8-0 in the opening round of the Region VI tournament Friday afternoon at East Park.

Garrison got the party started for the Saints in the bottom of the first, drilling her fourth homer of the season that gave Seward County (41-21, 14-10) a 1-0 advantage.

The Saints made it 2-0 in the second when Leena Mortensen scored on Erica Vessels error at short before blowing it open in the fourth.

An error, followed by two walks loaded the bases for the Saints against Desiree Perea. Garrison then singled home Alexis Cuellar, Sydney Epp lined a two-run double to left, and Atteberry crushed a three-run homer that pushed the lead to 8-0.

While the Saints offense was rolling, Ashley shutdown the Broncbusters attack, striking out nine allowing only three baserunners all afternoon: an error in the fifth allowed Hannah Adams to reach; Micaela Martinez walked in the second and Rebekah Roberts singled in the third. With the win, Ashley improved to 24-5 in the circle.

Samantha Akers dropped to 6-16 in the circle, allowing five runs on three hits in 3 1/3 innings.