KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The No. 10 KCKCC softball team started conference play with a sweep over Fort Scott CC and head coach Lana Ross reached a milestone at the school, earning her 100th win as head coach of the Blue Devils program. KCKCC inched past Fort Scott in the first game 12-9 before taking the second contest 8-2.
The Blue Devils are 15-3 overall and 2-0 in the KJCCC.
In game one, the Blue Devils held a 4-1 lead after two innings of play before the Greyhounds scored four runs in the third to take a lead. KCKCC would add two runs in the bottom of the third inning to regain the lead before adding a run in the fifth to take a 7-5 advantage. Fort Scott tacked on a run in the sixth to keep things close, but the bottom of the sixth is when the Blue Devils created some breathing room. A big home run from Bradi Basler helped that cause and the Blue Devils earned the 12-9 win, which secured Ross's 100th win.
Savannah Maynard, McKenna Lester and Emma De Brouwer each had two hits. Four different Blue Devils had two RBI apiece and Basler earned her sixth win in the circle.
In game two, the Blue Devils faced another test from the Greyhounds early as they held a 3-2 lead after one inning. KCKCC got some momentum however and added three runs in the second frame to gain a 6-2 lead. KCKCC would add one run in the fourth and sixth innings, while holding Fort Scott scoreless the rest of the way.
Lester had a team high three hits and four RBI, while Breanna Droge stayed perfect in the circle improving to 8-0 with 6.2 scoreless innings.
KCKCC returns to action on Saturday when they host No. 17 Labette CC at 1 p.m.
Some of the former KCKCC softball players congratulated Coach Ross along the way:
"Congratulations Coach Ross on your 100th win at KCK. In your short time here your teams have broken multiple team and individual records, but its not just about that. You have developed a culture of strong women who will forever be proud to say they are a part of the Blue Devil family. Here are a few messages they wanted to share with you on this special day…Dang! already 100 wins?! congratulations coach! you have helped me out so much on and off the field. I am very thankful to have had you as my coach for not 2 but 3 years. you have taught and continue to teach us players to be strong independent women. I'm very thankful to have been a part of your team and to have been a part of majority of your wins. I love you Coach Ross and congratulations on your 100th win!"
-Alexis Rymer
"Coach Ross, congratulations on all your accomplishments! You've done so much for female athletes, and I wouldn't be who I am today without you. You've taught me so much more than just the game but how to be a strong empowered athlete AND coach. Not only did I grow on the field but off the field as well. I've learned that even when things get hard, I can get through them. Not only that but hard work pays off. It's a tough game with a lot of blood, sweat and tears put into it but a lot of us could not have done it without you."
-Paris Forshey
"Coach Ross, you have had more impact on me than any person in my life. You are not only an amazing coach, but you are also an amazing person, who taught me to be an amazing person, and leader. I will forever cherish every moment at KCK, Even the days we had to run 8 foul poles. Congratulation's coach go get 100 more."
-Mackinze Pinkerton
"Coach Ross, congratulations on your 100th win at KCK. I feel very fortunate to have been able to be there your first year and I am so excited to see where you continue to take the program. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you have done. For taking a chance on me by giving me a walk-on spot, providing me a scholarship, giving me the opportunity to play the sport that I love at the next level, and for all of the life lessons that I have learned and will continue to carry with me through the rest of my life. Thank you for challenging me to be the best that I can be. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about my time in a Blue Devil uniform. Congratulations again and good luck with the rest of the season!"
-Hannah Redick
"Hey Coach Congrats on your 100th win at KCK! This is a Congratulations but also a Thank you! I am not going to lie our time started off rocky… We butted heads and yelled a tad… But you never gave up on me. I tried to leave but you didn't let that happen. You saw so much more in me than I ever saw in myself. Looking back now I wished I would have seen that sooner. You are one of the greatest role models I have ever had. Your constant motivation and encouragement pushed us to heights that no-one could ever believe we could ever reach. Everyone is so lucky to have you, not only as a coach but as a mentor! Thank you for leading us to be strong independent women! Congratulations on win #100 Coach here is to many more!"
-Kaylee Arnzen
"Congratulations Coach! 100 already?!? I'm so thankful that I got to be a part of your first season at KCK. The strength you bring to the program is clearly evident by all the wins you and your teams have racked up so far, but the thing that impresses me the most is your ability to use the program to build strong women that win on the field while they're with you and then go on to win in life as they move on. Congrats, again, I'm proud of you!"
-Brittany Smith
"Coach Ross: the GOAT! It's no surprise that you've made it to your 100th win. Your passion and energy for the game has always been top tier. You have no idea the impact you've had on me, post softball. You always said you wanted us to leave your program being a strong, independent woman and that's the greatest impact you've had on me. Your program was never easy, but that's why you're having the success you are. You made me better physically and most importantly, mentally. I'm so thankful that I was coached by you, and I can't wait to watch your success continue! Congratulations from your hardheaded 2018-19 catcher."
-Brittney Beck
"Coach Ross! Congratulations on the 100th win at KCK. I feel so privileged to have been a part of the journey to get there and it is such a testament to who you are as a person- a winner on and off the diamond. You are everything a strong woman is and I look up to you each and everyday, even now after leaving your program."
Georgia Faunt
"Congratulations on your 100th win at kck Coach Ross!! I knew at the first practice you weren't here to continue the path that this program was on. Honestly looking back on it, I really got lucky with you as our new coach. You didn't accept this position to please others you were here to win and I got board with that pretty quick. I look back on my time at Kck and what stands out the most is everything you have taught me about life. Thank you for making me a better player, teammate, and most of all a stronger women in this world we live in today. Also I know you wouldn't have been able to accomplish as much as you have here without coach Strohman so thank you Strohman for all the work you do that really doesn't go unnoticed!"
Alaina Howe
"Congrats on your 100th win at kck coach! What an accomplishment in such a small amount of time. I am glad I got to be a part of it. Looks like all of that yelling at us is working. No but seriously you are my favorite and best coach I have ever had. You pushed everyone of your players to be and play the best that they can. I loved playing for you and the passion you have for this game. I had a lot of fun playing for you except all that conditioning I was dying from especially during year 1 at kck. Anyways I know I was a pain in your bum 99% of the time but there isn't a day I regret coming back after that covid year. Thank you for putting up with me. Congratulations and thank you for everything you do for each and everyone of your players."
From your favorite player. Aka Devin Purcell
"Congratulations on your 100th win at KCK, we want to thank you for all the work you do to help us improve our knowledge and skill of the game. We love you!"
Team 42
