The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Lady Roadrunners (1-1) opened the softball season under the direction of new Head Coach Michele Rupard with a pair of games against Independence Community College at Ballparks National in Macks Creek, Missouri on Saturday, Feb. 25. SFCC won the first game 6-3, before falling in game two 2-1 to split a doubleheader.

In game one, freshman Jaelyn Winfrey led SFCC offensively with three hits, including two triples and a double. Freshman Paige Klinge had a pair of hits and two RBI.

Sophomore Kennidi Harris pitched a complete game for SFCC. Harris gave up eight hits and struck out four to earn the win.

The result of game one gave Coach Rupard her first victory as a head coach at SFCC.

In game two, Klinge added two more hits. Sophomore Kelsey Webb had a hit and an RBI.

Freshman pitcher Charlee Reese got the start for SFCC. Reese stuck our six and gave up four hits.

"Overall, I was pleased with our performance and attitudes," said Rupard. "The girls played hard. We were down early in the first game and didn't hang our heads. We just stuck to the plan and kept grinding. We had opportunities to win the second game. It was great to watch them battle in a close game. I think everyone showed up and overall, it was a good day. Our pitchers kept us in both games and competed well."

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics