Washburn softball sweeps Fort Hays State, wins fourth straight

The Ichabods run-ruled the Tigers 12-1 in five innings in Game 1 before picking up a 6-0 win in Game 2.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:51am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion and competition of a college softball game, with fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in the team colors of Washburn and Fort Hays State.Washburn's dominant doubleheader sweep showcases the dynamic action and energy of college softball.Topeka Today

Washburn softball (28-15, 5-9 MIAA) swept Fort Hays State (17-20, 3-9 MIAA) in a doubleheader Friday on the road. The Ichabods run-ruled the Tigers 12-1 in five innings in Game 1 before picking up a 6-0 win in Game 2. Taylor Brees and Aspen Burgardt had big games at the plate for Washburn, while Sadie Walker and Jenna Sprague earned the wins in the circle.

Why it matters

The sweep extends Washburn's winning streak to four games and keeps them in the hunt for a spot in the MIAA conference tournament. Fort Hays State, on the other hand, continues to struggle in conference play.

The details

In Game 1, Washburn scored back-to-back five-run innings in the second and third. Brees went 3-for-3 with four RBIs, including a three-run double in the second and an RBI single in the third. Burgardt also had four RBIs, singling in a run in the second and hitting a three-run double in the third. Sadie Walker earned the win, allowing one run on one hit over five innings. In Game 2, Dalaney Anderson drove in three runs, with an RBI single in the first and a two-run double in the sixth. Jenna Sprague tossed a complete-game shutout, striking out four.

  • The doubleheader took place on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Washburn will stay on the road on April 10 for a doubleheader against Central Missouri.

The players

Washburn softball

A college softball team that competes in the MIAA conference with a 28-15 record on the season.

Fort Hays State

A college softball team that competes in the MIAA conference with a 17-20 record on the season.

Taylor Brees

A Washburn softball player who went 3-for-3 with four RBIs in Game 1.

Aspen Burgardt

A Washburn softball player who had four RBIs in Game 1, including a three-run double.

Sadie Walker

The Washburn pitcher who earned the win in Game 1, allowing one run on one hit over five innings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Washburn will stay on the road on April 10 for a doubleheader against Central Missouri.

The takeaway

Washburn's dominant sweep of Fort Hays State, including run-ruling the Tigers in Game 1, extends their winning streak to four games and keeps them in contention for a spot in the MIAA conference tournament. The Ichabods' offense and pitching were both firing on all cylinders in the doubleheader.