Rapid City, SD – The Stevens Raiders Varsity softball team continued their dominant run on Saturday, sweeping a doubleheader and extending their perfect record to an impressive 10-0. The day began with a decisive 6-1 victory over Brookings Bobcats Varsity, highlighted by a stellar performance from junior pitcher Lainey Van Zee.
Van Zee was the story of the first game, showcasing her dominance in the circle. The right-hander struck out an astounding 12 batters in a complete-game effort against Brookings, allowing just three hits and one run over seven innings. Her performance was not just another strong outing; it marked a significant career milestone.
“Lainey is doing phenomenal this season and just recorded a huge milestone with her 200th career strikeout for the Raiders.” Says Stevens head pitching coach Amy Morrill. This achievement underscores Van Zee’s consistent excellence and her pivotal role in the Raiders’ undefeated season.
After Brookings took an early 1-0 lead, the Raiders responded in the bottom of the fourth, tying the game due to a Bobcats error. Stevens’ offense then came alive in the fifth, scoring four runs to secure the victory. Kara Cox, Hazel Russell, and Audrinna Colhoff each drove in runs, while Van Zee and Sayde Hunt each collected two hits.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Raiders faced Watertown Varsity Arrows and emerged with a hard-fought 3-2 win, with Kara Collins delivering a strong pitching performance. However, the spotlight remained on Van Zee’s earlier milestone and continued dominance in the circle, solidifying her as a key player for the undefeated Stevens Raiders.
