Kearney, Neb. – The Pittsburg State University softball team swept Nebraska-Kearney in doubleheader action Saturday (Apr. 3), 7-1, 6-5.

The Gorillas and Lopers struggled early at the plate in game one. With the first run of the game coming via a single into right field by first baseman Kami Zimmerman scoring right fielder Paxtyn Hayes from third. The score would remain 1-0 in the Gorillas favor until the bottom of the seventh inning, when the Lopers would score the tying run taking the game into extra innings. A scoreless eighth for the two squads brought the game to the ninth.

The Gorillas were ready to finish the game and scored six runs in its half of the ninth. The first of which came off a double by center fielder Keelah Griffith which scored Kaity Kukowski from third. A few errors by the Lopers allowed the Gorillas to plate two more runs. Zimmerman wasn't finished, plating one more runs off a single to right field. Catcher Madison Szymanski added an insurance run for the Gorillas with an RBI single to left. The Gorillas held off Kearney in the bottom of the ninth, and took the game 7-1.

Senior Kaylee Burns was credited with the win. Burns went all nine innings allowing four hits and one earned run. Burns improved her record to 5-7 on the season.

In game two of the doubleheader the Gorillas started off hot in the 1st after Zimmerman plates one with an RBI single. The Lopers tied the game in its half of the inning. Second baseman Kaity Kukowski blast a solo shot to left to give Pitt State the lead back in the second. Kearney was able to regain the lead in the third. The Gorillas and the Lopers went back and forth the next three innings. Heading into the seventh and the game was all tied up at 5. Until an error by the Lopers allowed Zimmerman to score from third and give the game its final score of 6-5.

Burns was credited with the win in game two. Burns went 2 and 2/3 innings allowing a single hit. Burns moved her record to 6-7 on the season.

The Gorillas will be back in action on Friday (Apr. 9) in Pittsburg to take on Rogers State. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.