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Bonner Springs dominated a softball doubleheader against Bishop Ward Tuesday night, taking the first game, 2-1, and the second, 8-1.

The Bravettes made Ottawa-bound Ward pitcher Jenny Schneider work overtime to make up for her team’s defensive mistakes and several extra-base hits on the way to taking the two-game set.

In the first game, the Bravettes took advantage of a costly error and scratched across two runs in the second inning. Senior Carli Turner led off with a double over the left fielder’s head. Kaylie Holloway followed with a walk. Schneider got a strike out and a ground ball out that moved the runners into scoring position. Turner scored on a throwing error. Holloway came home after a dropped third strike and an overthrow prolonged the inning.

The two runs would be all the support freshman Geena Harris needed to get the win.

Harris pitched seven solid innings and allowed just five hits and one run. Three of the hits and the run came in the first inning, but after that Harris locked down the Cyclones, striking out nine batters and only allowing two runners to advance past first base the rest of the way.

“Geena did a great job,” BSHS coach Kara Wardlow said. “She did what I asked of her and that is all I can do. She made the batters put the ball in play and allowed her defense to work for her. She is a freshman and is doing a fabulous job.”

As good as Harris was, the defense behind her was what sparkled. The Bravettes only committed one error on the evening and made tough plays look routine.

In the second game, the Bravettes brought out their bats and pummeled Ward early and late. Shelbie Thornton led off the first inning with a single and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Sophomore Breanna Tendick nailed a triple to the right-center gap and later scored.

Bonner Springs added two more runs in the fifth before breaking the game open with four in the sixth inning off of four hits and a walk.

Senior pitcher Kelly Chastain pitched a terrific game. She scattered five hits over seven innings, allowing only one run and striking out five.

“I had a few little mistakes like everybody has, but I feel pretty good about (my pitching),” Chastain said. “Our defense helped me out tremendously and took the pressure off of me.”

Wardlow said she liked the way her team put a complete effort together.

“We hit the ball well tonight,” Wardlow said. “I think we are more behind each other. We are midway through the season and they are getting comfortable with each other. We know how everybody plays now and what to expect out of (the girls). We are getting more mentally tough, and that is what is winning us games.”

With the sweep the Bravettes improved their record to 5-4. They face Tonganoxie in a doubleheader at 4:30 p.m. today at home.

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