Cowley softball crushes Independence, finishes 17-1 in Jayhawk East

Scoring eight runs in the first inning, the No. 5-ranked Cowley College softball team cruised to a 15-1 five-inning win Wednesday at Independence in the team’s final conference game.

The victory improves the Lady Tigers’ record to 35-8 overall and 17-1 in the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division.

“I was pleased with the way we came out and jumped all over them,” Cowley head coach Ed Hargrove said.

Freshman Breayle Tackett (pictured) broke the school-record for doubles in a season when she laced a two-run double in the eight-run first inning. The double was Tackett’s 25th of the season, breaking the previous record of 24 set by Ashly Bright in 2006.

“She has been amazing offensively,” Hargrove said. “She has really ignited our offense at the top of the order.”

Twelve players drove in runs in the win as Cowley had an opportunity to get all of its available players into the game.

“We have got some really good subs, it’s a compliment to their contribution to the team for them to enter the game and get some hits and RBI’s,” Hargrove said.

Jacey Juden needed just five innings to tie her season high with 11 strikeouts as she improved to 17-4 on the season. Juden allowed five hits and one run, and has won 15 of her past 16 starts.

“She had a really good day on the mound,” Hargrove said.

Jessica Sanchez and Emily Zimmerman each went 2-for-2 with a RBI.

Cowley will now prepare to play four games at the Jayhawk Crossover in Dodge City. On Friday, the Lady Tigers will play Pratt at 3 p.m. and Dodge City at 5 p.m.

On Saturday, Cowley will face Hutchinson at 10 a.m. and Brown Mackie at noon.

“If we would lose a couple of games it could affect seeding at regionals, so we want to go win four games and make it clear cut on who should be the No. 1 seed,” Hargrove said.