MSU Softball starts LSC North play by sweeping East Central

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Ashley Kuchenski struck out six and allowed one hit while taking advantage of a disciplined offensive attack to help the Midwestern State University Mustangs to a sweep of East Central in its LSC North Division opener.

Kuchenski has now won her last five starts while posting a minuscule .57 ERA in 24 2/3 innings of work. The sophomore from Magnolia has struck out 22 and walked six over the span. She improved to 7-2 on the season as the Mustangs rolled to a 12-0 win in Game 2.

Earlier in the day, Brittany Willson improved to 12-2 on the season as the Mustangs used a six-run second inning to beat the Tigers 7-2.

The Mustangs hit East Central starter Cara Gaskins for six unearned runs in the second inning after Gaskins retired the first two hitters of the inning.

Amanda Hill got MSU going with a single to right field and advanced to second on an error. Kuchenski drew a walk before Allison Tidwell reached on an error. The Mustangs connected on five-straight singles to take control of the game.

The top third combined to go 6-for-12, with Tidwell, Stephanie Wardlaw and Kristen Stonecipher collecting two hits each. Wardlaw and Stonecipher also drove in two runs apiece.

The Mustangs showed patience by collecting seven walks- all from different batters- in the second game and once again used a big second inning to put away the game.

MSU cycled through three ECU pitchers in an eight-run second inning to take a commanding 12-0 lead.

Sarah Huddleston delivered a three-run double in the first inning, while Stonecipher and Kelli Shaw paced the Mustang attack with two hits each.

Stonecipher wrapped up the day by going 4-for-7 with four RBIs.

The Mustangs will make the return trip to Ada, Okla.on Saturday to close the season series with East Central. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.

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