Softball Plays Doubleheader at MidAmerica Nazarene

Olathe, Kan., (March 20, 2026)- The Missouri Valley College softball team traveled to Olathe, Kan., for a Friday evening Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader against MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.).  The Vikings dropped the opening game, 12-2, and fell in game two, 5-3. 

Game one started with Missouri Valley putting two runners on-base in the top of the first, as both Senior Centerfielder Jesykah Foster (Garden City, Kan.) and Senior Shortstop Aniah Castruita (South El Monte, Calif.) singled, but the pair were left stranded.  MidAmerica Nazarene went in front in the bottom of the first inning, using six hits to produce five runs, and hold a 5-0 advantage.  After a scoreless inning for the Vikings, the Pioneers put together a long rally in the second inning, adding six runs on six hits and one MVC error to extend the lead, 11-0.  Both teams were held scoreless in the third inning.  Missouri Valley scored a run in the top of the fourth, as Junior Catcher Camryn Dilla (West Des Moines, Iowa) led off with a double to left field, and then came home on a single from Sophomore Third Baseman Keira Carvalho (Vista, Calif.).  MidAmerica Nazarene got that run back in the bottom half of the fourth to make it a 12-1 score.  The Vikings used a solo home run from Freshman First Baseman Gabriella White (Pittsburg, Kan.) in the top of the fifth inning, but Missouri Valley was unable to produce more runs, and fell, 12-2.

White had one hit, one run, and one RBI with her solo home run.  Dilla had two hits and one scored run, while Foster finished with two hits. 

Game two started with MidAmerica going in front early, as they scored three runs on four hits in the bottom of the first to make it a 3-0 score.  The top of the second featured a solo homer from White to cut its deficit down to 3-1.  The Pioneers answered back, adding another run in the bottom half to hold a 4-1 lead.  The Vikings responded with another solo homer from Senior Rightfielder Bryn Grandon (Paola, Kan.) in the top of the third inning, to close the gap, 4-2.  Sophomore Pitcher Andreina Buonafina (Guatemala) induced two ground outs in the bottom of the third to keep the scoreboard close.  Missouri Valley was taken down in order in the top of the fourth, and MidAmerica Nazarene produced one run on one hit in the bottom half to extend their advantage, 5-2.  Both teams were held scoreless in the fifth and sixth inning, where Buonafina struck out one batter and induced three fly-outs.  The Vikings produced from the plate in the top of the seventh, as White doubled to center field and then reached home safely on a single from Dilla, but Missouri Valley was unable to climb late as a double-play ended the game, and fell by a final score of 5-3.

White led with one hit, one scored run, to go with her solo home run.  Grandon followed with one hit, one run and one RBI with her solo homer, while Dilla had one hit and one RBI.  Buonafina pitched the complete game, giving up ten hits, five earned runs with two strikeouts.

Missouri Valley drops to 2-20 on the season and 0-6 in the Heart.  MidAmerica Nazarene improves to 17-7 overall and 5-1 in the conference.

Up next, the Viking softball team will host Baker (Kan.) in a Heart doubleheader, Saturday at 1 p.m.  Games will be played at Cargill Field at Indian Foothills Park.

Game 1 Box Score-Click Here

Game 2 Box Score-Click Here

About Missouri Valley College

Standing out as one of the most innovative and student-focused liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Missouri Valley College (MVC) is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through the Viking Voyage program, MVC prioritizes career readiness from day one, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel after graduation. Each of MVC's 30+ in-demand majors—including nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, criminal justice, and exercise science—integrates personal instruction, experiential learning, and professional opportunities to prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally connected world. At Missouri Valley College, higher education is more than earning a degree—it's a transformative journey that begins with the end.