Joyce Throws No-Hitter, Waipara Powers Broncbusters to Sweep

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

Garden City, KS – Garden City Community College softball delivered a dominant showing Wednesday afternoon at Tangeman Sports Complex, sweeping Dakota College at Bottineau behind a historic performance in the opener and a late offensive surge in the nightcap.

The Broncbusters combined for 29 runs and 32 hits across the doubleheader, highlighted by a no-hitter from Skylah Breeze Joyce in Game 1.

Game 1: Garden City 18, Dakota College at Bottineau 0

Skylah Breeze Joyce turned in one of the most impressive pitching performances of the season, tossing a five-inning no-hitter while striking out nine to lead the Broncbusters to a run-rule victory.

Joyce allowed just two walks and faced only 17 batters in the complete-game effort as Garden City controlled the game from the circle and at the plate.

The Broncbusters struck early with two runs in the first inning before exploding for four runs in the second and 11 runs in the third to break the game wide open.

Maiarangi Waipara powered the offense with a massive day at the plate, finishing with six RBI, including a home run and a double. Maysen Kurene-Iwikau added a home run of her own and drove in five runs, while Izzy Foster collected three hits and two RBI.

Danna Viera scored four runs and reached base three times, while Jade Hendrix added three hits and scored four runs. Garden City finished the game with 18 hits in the run-rule victory.

Game 2: Garden City 11, Dakota College at Bottineau 6

The second game was more competitive early, with Dakota College capitalizing on a four-run third inning to briefly take the lead.

Garden City responded in a big way in the bottom of the fifth, erupting for six runs to swing the momentum back in its favor before adding two more in the sixth to secure the sweep.

Maysen Kurene-Iwikau led the offense again, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Reagan Sword added two hits and two RBI, while Valeria Mandujano drove in a pair of runs. Michela Pugliese-Levi and Danna Viera each contributed RBI during the late rally.

Averie Ashford added two hits and stole four bases as the Broncbusters continued to pressure Dakota College on the basepaths.

In the circle, Ashlyn Powell started the game before Zoey Torres earned the win in relief, tossing three strong innings and allowing just one hit to help Garden City pull away for the 11–6 victory.

Garden City’s balanced offense and strong pitching carried the Broncbusters to the sweep as they continue to build momentum during the early part of the season.

Next Up: The Broncbusters travel to Goodland, Kansas for a road doubleheader against Fort Hays Tech Northwest at Tiger Softball Complex on March 14th. First pitches are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m..