The 17th ranked Missouri Western softball team escaped the rain and Joplin with a doubleheader sweep over the Missouri Southern Lions. The Griffons pounded out 11 hits in game one winning 11-0 in five innings before grinding out a 1-0 victory in game two for the sweep. Western improves to 33-6 overall and 16-2 in MIAA action.
Game 1: MWSU 11, MSSU 0 (5 Innings)
After two rain delays the Griffons were able to come away with an 11-0 run rule victory in game one of the doubleheader. Western pounded out 11 hits with five being for extra bases which included a two run home run by Maegan Roemmich giving Western the 7-0 lead after three innings of play. The homer was her third of the season.
Jackie Bishop picked up her 18th victory of the season going all five innings striking out eight Lion batters while giving up just two hits.
The Griffons scored two runs in the first and third inning, three runs in the second and fifth inning and one in the fourth in the victory. Western had four doubles one each by Kendall Sorenson, Blair Stalder, Leah Steele and Sarah Elliott. Stalder and Elliott both had three hits in the game while Roemmich and Steele each had two. Elliott had three RBI while Roemmich and Steele both had two.
The Lions got hits from Breanna Volkmann and Kiley Siebenaler while Hannah Cooke falls to 3-10 going just 1.2 inings. She gave up four hits and five earned runs. Kayce Moore went 3.1 innings giving up eight hits and six earned runs for the Lions.
Game 2: MWSU 1, MSSU 0
The Griffons put together a two out rally in the top of the seventh inning pushing across the game winning run. With two outs Kat Steponovich drew a walk and then Sarah Elliott got hit by a pitch putting runners on first and second. Bre Fleschner reached on a fielders choice as the second baseman muffed a throw by the shortstop loading the bases. Kendall Sorenson stepped to the plate and battled off numerous pitches before drawing a walk pushing in Steponvich.
Annalee Rubio made things interesting in the seventh giving up a double with two outs before giving up a solid line drive out to left fielder Fleschner. She settled down striking out pinch hitter Chloe Brown for the last out picking up her 12th victory of the season. Rubio struckout seven in the outing.
Western had four hits in the game with Fleschner, Stalder, Lorbert and Steponvich all getting hits.
Hayley Pypes falls to 8-6 on the season giving up just four hits with four strikeouts. The Lions fall to 13-28 overall and 4-8 in MIAA action.
The Griffons return to action on Tuesday, April 10 when they step out of MIAA play taking on Drury University in a doubleheader. Game times are set for 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm from the MWSU Softball Field in St. Joseph, Mo. Both games will air live on 680 KFEQ.
— MWSU Sports Information —