MOLINE, ILL. - The 15th-ranked Madison College softball team put up several crooked numbers during a doubleheader sweep of Region 4 opponent Black Hawk College on Friday. The WolfPack ran away from the Braves in a 15-5 victory in six innings to begin the day, before holding off a BHC rally for a narrow 6-5 decision in the nightcap. The 'Pack has won all ten meetings with Black Hawk College since 2016.

Game #1: #15 Madison College 15, Black Hawk College 5 (6 innings)

The day's opening game featured ten runs in the first inning as both teams tallied five in their half. A two-run triple by Maddie Kvatek was followed by another triple from Abby Luczak and a single from Casey Fountain to quickly make it 4-0 before the game's first out was recorded. The final run was off a Abbie Cavadini single up the middle to plate Fountain. Following five runs for BHC against WolfPack starter Mallory Sterling, the score remained 5-5 into the fourth inning when Madison College plated two more with three consecutive base hits. Brianna Brandner and Luczak were credited with RBIs.

The 'Pack put the game away via run-rule with an eight-spot in a sixth inning that featured six hits, a walk, a hit by pitch, and two errors. Sterling helped her own cause with a two-run double after Megan Miklesh and Cavadini each drove in a run. The final two runs came as the result of an error on a fly ball by Brandner.

Three different WolfPack players registered three hits in the game, led by Brandner. The Portage, Wisconsin, native, scored three runs and brought in another as she went 3 for 5. Kvatek, a former Stevens Point Area SH athlete, was also 3 for 5 with two RBI and two runs scored, while Luczak's 3 for 4 effort gave the Rosendale, Wisconsin, product three runs batted in and another scored.

In the circle, Sterling (2-0) earned her second win despite giving up five unearned runs on three hits and three walks, The Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, native struck out five, while also going 1 for 2 with two RBI and a run scored at the plate.

Game #2: #15 Madison College 6, Black Hawk College 5 (7 innings)

The day's finale saw Black Hawk College (3-4) grab the first lead with two runs in the bottom of the second. Madison College tallied its first run in the fourth when Grace Madeiros singled home Mia Noelker with a line drive to left. The 'Pack pulled even in the fifth as Abby Luczak's double to left allowed Brianna Brandner to cross home. A three-run fifth made it 5-2 after Luczak singled in Bella Williams and Brandner. A sacrifice fly in the seventh by Maddie Kvatek gave Madison College a 6-3 edge, which proved pivotal when the Braves were able to score two in the last half inning. Casey Fountain entered the game with the tying run aboard and recorded the game's final out.

Luczak, a sophomore infielder, was 2 for 4 with three RBI. Madeiros, a native of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, also had multiple hits and drove in a run. Brandner was the lone player to score twice. 

Starter Lauren Steien (2-1) picked up her second win after striking out five batters over 6 2/3 innings. The former Blair-Taylor HS athlete allowed five runs, three of which were earned, on seven hits and a walk. Fountain earned her first save of the season with her brief appearance.

Up Next:

Madison College (9-1), which moved up to #13 in the NJCAA Division II Poll, will begin the North Central Community College Conference season on Tuesday, April 6 with a home twin bill against 4th-ranked (DIII) Joliet Junior College (9-8). The WolfPack are 33-14 in head-to-head games with the Wolves. First pitch at Robert D. Goodman Softball Field is at 3:00 p.m., followed by game two at 5:00 p.m.

Fan attendance will be limited to members of immediate family for Madison College players and coaches, and two immediate family members for opposing players and coaches. The games can also be seen at MadisonCollege.tv.

Follow WolfPack softball: Facebook | Twitter | GameChanger