COCOA, Fla. – Wednesday (March 11) was unkind to the Monarchs as the Blue & White fell twice at the Space Coast Games to tough competition. The Monarchs led Iowa Central Community College in the opener, 6-2, before one of the nation's top programs responded with a host of runs late to earn the win. Game two saw Bryant & Stratton College-Wisconsin break open a 3-1 game with six runs in the top of the seventh to secure a 9-3 victory.
The losses drop the Monarchs to an even 3-3 through three days of competition this season.
Iowa Central entered Wednesday's game receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division II poll.
GAME ONE: (RV) Iowa Central 16, Macomb 8
The Monarchs jumped out to a 6-2 lead through three innings before the perennial power Tritons responded with seven runs in the fourth and seven more in the fifth to post the 16-8 run-rule victory in five innings.
Alexa Yaklin enjoyed a great opener, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a pair of runs scored. The three RBIs and two hits both led the Monarchs against the Tritons.
Allison Wineski came around to score a team-best three runs while also drawing a walk and driving in a run.
Jacqueline Asmar was 1-for-2 and recorded the lone extra-base hit of the game for the Monarchs on a second inning double.
GAME TWO: Bryant & Stratton Wisconsin 9, Macomb 3
Aubrey Rich and
Kailey Viviano recorded two hits each while
Maddie McKee doubled to pace the bats for the Monarchs in Wednesday's latter contest. The Monarchs trailed, 3-1, entering the seventh inning, but the Bobcats pulled away with a six-run frame to take a 9-1 lead.
A late rally by the Monarchs fell short as two runs scored and two runners were left on base in the home half of the seventh.
UP NEXT: More Space Coast Action Thursday
The Monarchs return to the Space Coast diamond on Thursday with games against Monroe University and Iowa Central. The action begins at 10 a.m. against Monroe and wraps up with a 12:15 p.m. tilt opposite Iowa Central. Both games are scheduled to be played on the Red Rawlings field.
