BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings softball team made it's home debut at Avitus Group Stadium this season, taking down University of Providence in both legs of a doubleheader Saturday.
 
The Yellowjackets (3-5) defeated the Argos (2-3) by run-rule in the opening game of the day, jumping out to an 10-0 victory in five innings, before following that up with another stellar offensive performance, this time defeating the Argos 11-6. The high-powered MSUB battling order showed the pop that helped them lead the GNAC in home runs the previous season, hitting a combined seven home runs and 12 extra base hits over the two games. The 'Jackets also flashed their ability on the basepaths, finishing the day with a combined ten steals.
 
Game One: MSUB 11, UP 0
 
MSUB took an early lead in game one of the day, plating two runs in the opening inning on a wild pitch and an RBI single from Jazlyn Kalehuawehe, which would set the tone for how the game was going to go early. They would add four more runs in the bottom of the second inning, including a two-run blast from Kalehuawehe, and would collect two more home runs in the bottom of the fourth inning from Teagan Seeton and Kilee Imada to jump out to a 10-0 lead. Right hander Caitlyn James dominated the Argos batters all game, allowing just three runners to reach base, as the Yellowjackets would close out the game in the fifth inning to take a run rule victory to start the day.
 
"Caitlyn came out and threw a great game for us," said MSUB head coach Lisa McKinney. "She moved the ball around well and never let their hitters get comfortable in the box. We played strong defense behind her, and the bats came alive early and often for us. This was a true team win for us in all aspects of the game."
 
James picked up the win with five innings pitched, allowing three hits and striking out three batters, while not issuing a single walk. Kalehuawehe finished 2-2 with a walk, one run, and three RBIs, while Imada finished 1-2 with a run and two RBIs, and Seeton was 1-2 with one run and an RBI. Riley Warden went 1-2 with a walk, scoring two runs and stealing three bases. Her trio of steals tied the program record for most steals in a single game. Kaylin Galvin and Malia Cavan each batted 1-2 with a run, with Cavan picking up an RBI as well, and Lauren Blaschak plated a run on a sacrifice fly.
 
Game Two: MSUB 11, UP 6
 
Game two was a closer game in the early stages, with Providence striking first in the top of the first inning, plating one run. But the Yellowjackets would strike back, with a trio of RBI doubles in the bottom of the frame from Lauren Blaschak, Alexis Tovar, and Marin Penney. Providence would pull ahead again one more with five runs in the next two innings, but MSUB wouldn't let the Argos run away with the game, scoring twice in the bottom of the third on a Kilee Imada homer and a Riley Warden single before taking the lead back for good in the four inning, with Jazlyn Kalehuawehe tying things up before Kaylin Galvin's two run opposite field blast would give the Yellowjackets the lead once more. Shelby Wasilewski and Elaina Troxell closed down the game in relief, with the 'Jackets allowing just one run over the final five innings, and further two-run home run from Teagan Seeton and single from Penney would add the 'Jackets lead as they would see out the doubleheader sweep.
 
"We started off a little slow," said McKinney. "But we eventually found our rhythm. Our staff put together a good game, with Lainey finishing the game strong. The defense came up with a couple of big plays, including a big double play. The offense continued to do a good job battling and pushing across runs, and Kaylin did a great job behind the plate, while picking up some big time hits."
 
Galvin finished 1-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Warden batted a perfect 3-3, collecting two runs, and RBI, a walk, and a stolen base. Blaschak and Imada each finished 2-3 with two runs and an RBI. Penney was 3-4 with two RBIs, and Seaton was 2-5 with a run and two RBIs. Kalehuawehe batted 1-3. Wasilewski picked up the win, allowing just one run and four hits over three innings, and Troxell finished the game with two scoreless innings, allowing a single hit.
 
THE BUZZ: James was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game in game one, while Galvin was selected for game two… Warden stole a combined four bases over the two games… James's outing was her first win and shutout in her MSUB career... as a team, the Yellowjackets combined for six steals in game one, tying for the fourth most in program history.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets have another doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow, February 25, this time facing off against Carroll College at Avitus Group Stadium. First pitch is set for 1 PM, with live video available here, and live statistics available here.