GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.— The Colorado Mesa University Mavericks used a 3-run first and a 5-run fifth inning barrages to post a 9-2 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference softball win over visiting UCCS before the Mountain Lions hit a 2-run, go-ahead home run in the top of the seventh inning of Game 2 to split a Saturday afternoon doubleheader here at the CMU Softball Stadium.
 
The Mavericks' first game victory was their tenth in a row although the loss ended that winning streak and a 15-game home field winning streak, which had dated back to Mar. 8, 2020.
 
The Mavericks, who came into the day 12-0 at home, are now 24-2 overall and in conference play while the split left the Mountain Lions with 14-18 overall and 13-15 RMAC records heading into another doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m.
 
Game 1
 
Sawyer Brewster, who would later have the game-winning home run, hit a 2-run shot as the Mountain Lions jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first.
 
However, the Mavericks quickly took the lead plating three runs thanks to three hits and two Mountain Lion errors in the bottom of the first.  Lauren Wedman, who was 4-for-8 on the day, and Sarah Staudle, who went a combined 4-for-7 throughout the doubleheader had RBI singles in the inning, which was also highlighted by a Nicole Christen double and a pair of stolen bases.
 
The score would remain 3-2 until the bottom of the fourth when redshirt senior Brooke Doumer, who had five hits and a walk from her lead-off spot, hit a solo home run down the right field line to make the score 4-2.
 
The Mavericks then exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fifth to help cement the win.  Ellie Smith and Christensen began the 4-hit frame with singles before an error helped Maverick pinch-runner Brandi Haller to score.  After another infield single loaded the bases, Aislyn Sharp drew an RBI walk to make the score 6-2 before a pinch-hit sacrifice fly from Sarah Jorissen made it a 7-2 game.
 
Doumer then delivered a 2-run single to complete the scoring.
 
Meanwhile, Maverick starter Paige Adair overcame a shaky start allowing just four hits, including just two after the first inning, to earn the victory, her 11^th of the campaign.  Adair had ten strikeouts.
 
Doumer, Christensen and Staudle all had 2-hit games as the Mavericks recorded nine overall.
 
Game 2
 
The Mavericks got off to a strong start in the second game as well as a single by Doumer followed by a stolen base and throwing error set up Wedman for an RBI single to give the Mavericks a quick 1-0 lead.  Staudle also had an RBI single later in the first inning to double the lead to 2-0.
 
However, UCCS answered back with two runs in the top of the second as Peyton Reisman plated Meghan Waidler, who had doubled to begin the inning with the Mountain Lions' first.  Reisman then scored three plays later on a Mia Perez double.
 
The score would remain tied at 2 until the bottom of the sixth when pinch-hitter Camryn Mullen hit a clutch RBI double to put the Mavericks up 3-2.  However, the inning would be ended on a double play as Brewster would go on to hit a 2-run home run with two outs in the top of the seventh to put her team up 4-3 after two stellar defensive plays by the Mavericks.
 
The Mountain Lions then held the Mavericks scoreless as they ended a 6-game losing streak.
 
Cami Duffey (4-4) picked up the win for the Mountain Lions, who had just six hits in the game and 11 on the day.  She gave up nine to the Mavericks in a complete game effort.  Adair (11-1) took the loss, her first of the year, despite giving up just two hits in five innings of relief after coming on for Smith, who pitched the first two innings.
 
Doumer and Wedman both went 3-for-4 at the top of the Mavs' lineup.  Staudle also had two hits from the No. 6 spot although the rest of the Mavericks, including four pinch-hitters, went just 2-for-16 against Duffey.