Cottey softball drops pair at Fort Scott

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- The Cottey College Comets softball team opened their limited fall schedule with a doubleheader at Fort Scott on Wednesday evening. The Comets lost the first game 7-0 and were tripped up in the second game 7-4.

"We are light years ahead of where we were last year," said head coach Greg Tietz of his second-year squad. Last year's team was composed of all freshman and by comparison, this year's team offers a mix of new and returning players.

Second-year pitcher Megan Steffens looked good on the hill in game one, pitching a complete game. The key for the Lady Greyhounds was in the timeliness of their hitting.

Fort Scott seemed to consistently get a hit when runners advanced into scoring position. The Comets, on the other hand, left nine runners stranded.

First-year Comet Janet Penick had three singles in the game and veteran Brianna Blacklock had three hits -- a double and two singles -- and a stolen base.

It was a tighter contest in the second game. The Comets compiled 10 hits in the game and were leading going into the fourth inning. A few errors by the Comets at the wrong time opened the door for Fort Scott and they were able to grab the lead and hold on.

Penick went the distance and pitched well. She helped her own cause by belting a triple in the second game. Amanda Sebree had a single, a triple and one stolen base while Steffens had a double, a single and a stolen base and center fielder Molly Crouse had a double and a single.

"It's a great thing to have 16 players and to be able to work them all in for playing time to see how they're going to develop and improve from fall ball to regular season in the spring," said Tietz. "There is competition all over the field at many positions.

"We are way ahead of where we were at this time last year. I am excited we got these first two games under our belts and I look forward to the rest of our games this fall."

The Comets will travel to Independence, Kan., on Tuesday, Sept. 22, to face Independence Community College in a doubleheader. The only fall home games for the Comets are on Sunday, Oct. 4, against Coffeyville Community College at 1 and 3 p.m., at Bushwhacker Field.