Broncbusters Fall to Butler in Road Doubleheader
Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics
El Dorado, KS – Garden City Community College softball dropped both games of a Wednesday doubleheader at Butler Community College, falling 11–5 in the opener and 7–1 in the nightcap.
Butler used early runs and capitalized on defensive miscues to take control in both contests, while Garden City showed flashes of offense but was unable to sustain momentum.
Butler jumped out early in Game 1, scoring in each of the first three innings and taking advantage of multiple errors to build a 7–0 lead. Garden City broke through in the fifth inning, scoring five runs in the frame to get back into the game.
Danna Viera sparked the rally by reaching base and setting the table, while Maysen Kurene-Iwikau drove in a run during the inning. Maiarangi Waipara delivered the biggest swing with a three-RBI double, and Reagan Sword followed with an RBI single to cap the surge. Zoey Torres and Averie Ashford also helped create pressure on the bases as the Broncbusters put together their strongest inning of the day.
The comeback was short-lived, as Butler answered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning and added another in the sixth to pull away for the 11–5 win. Kyler Demel led Butler with five RBI, while Garden City finished with six hits in the game.
In Game 2, Butler again struck first, using a pair of home runs in the second inning to take an early lead. The Grizzlies added runs in the fourth and fifth to extend the advantage, while their pitching staff kept the Broncbusters off balance throughout the game.
Garden City's lone run came in the sixth inning when Kurene-Iwikau delivered an RBI single to score Jade Hendrix. Hendrix, Waipara, and Ashford each recorded hits in the game, while the Broncbusters continued to battle at the plate despite limited scoring opportunities.
Butler continued to add insurance late, securing the 7–1 victory to complete the sweep.
Key moment
Butler's response in the fifth inning of Game 1, scoring three runs immediately after Garden City's five-run rally, halted the Broncbusters' momentum.
Key stat
Garden City committed multiple errors in Game 1, leading to several unearned runs that allowed Butler to build an early lead.
Up next
Garden City travels to Liberal on Saturday, March 28th for a doubleheader against Seward County. First pitches are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
