CCU Softball went 2-0 in their conference opener against New Mexico Highlands University. The Cougs first game was strong from the mound with Kelsea Sweeney (6-0) striking out seven Cowgirls, allowing only three hits and one run. The Cougs defeated NMHU 4-1. The second game was an all-out slug fest between the Cougs and Cowgirls as both squads had 11 hits and three homers in the game. Christian was able to execute more efficiently, and came out on top 7-5 in game two.
 
CCU's hitting has improved with every game this season, and the players continue to show relentless battle at the plate. Game one was a little slow for both teams, but blue and gold still had solid swings. Hanna Farmer hit a homer to right field in the top of the fifth inning, scoring the first two runs for CCU (Hailey Novacek scored). Then in the top of the seventh, the Lady Cougs created a little bit more cushion between them and Highlands by scoring two more runs. Novacek scored again off a Charlotte Romero single, and then Stephanie Day advanced from a Cowgirl error on their second baseman. Kenzie Mattey came in to close for Colo. Christian and rounded it up with three fly outs. CCU won 4-1.
 
In the second game, Christian had three doubles and two home runs. They scored five of their seven runs in the second frame. Hailey Riesenmy had a run off a Metro error and then Jennie Winston scored from a Hanna Farmer single. Stephanie Day stepped up to the plate and hit a home run to left field earning her three RBI's. The Cougs were now up 5-2. They scored their sixth run in the third inning off of a Jennie Winston double, allowing Baylee Johnson to score.
 
Highlands found the sweet spot in the bottom of the fifth as their first baseman homered to center field scoring three runs. CCU only led by one point 6-5 with two more innings left of opportunity for the Cowgirls. Jennie Winston scored the final run of the game with another home run to center field.
 
Kenzie Mattey started for CCU and took the win putting her at 5-3 this season. Mattey pitched 3.1 innings and allowed nine hits, four earned runs, and struck out three. Sarah Probasco closed the game pitching 3.2 innings and did an incredible job allowing only two hits and four strike-outs.  Highlands left 11 on base as CCU only had seven.
 
Colorado Christian Softball is now 12-6 this season and 2-0 in conference play. They continue their series with New Mexico Highlands on Sat. Feb. 25^th at 11:00 AM.