The Missouri Western softball team picked up two important MIAA victories against Lindenwood University Sunday afternoon. The Griffons improved to 29-11 and 13-5 in the conference while the Lions are currently 18-22 and 9-11.

In the first game, Western fell behind 1-0 after the first inning, and failed to score after a lead-off double in the third and lead-off triple in the fourth.

But behind 1-0 in the fifth, Taylor Anding singled to left field to provide the first hit of the inning. And after two outs, which included a sac bunt from Kat Steponovich to move Anding into scoring position, Bre Fleschner reached by an error and Anding advance home to tie the game at one.

After Courtney Opich, who went 2-for-3 in the first game, belted a homer, the Griffons came back with two runs in the sixth to take the win.

Kendall Sorensen tripled down the right-field line to score Maegan Roemmich, who reached on a fielder’s choice after Michelle Stevenson singled to right field but was thrown out on the next play.

Another error by the Lions scored Sorensen for the 3-2 lead, and junior Jackie Bishop, who is not 16-4 on the year, struck out the side to complete the win.

Game 2
Griffons 2, Lions 1

Missouri Western secured the second win after two strong pitching performances from freshman Janie Smith and Bishop. After Smith pitched a shutout through five innings, Opich scored off a double by Deidre Merli to tie the game at one.

Bishop came in to finish the game, and in the bottom of the seventh, Fleschner double to left center. Two plays later, catcher Keri Lorbert doubled down right center for the game-winning RBI.

On the day, Sorensen finished 3-for-6 with an RBI and third baseman Sarah Elliott went 3-for-7.

Next up for the Griffons is a Wednesday doubleheader against Lincoln. The first pitch is set for 5 p.m. and the games can be heard on 680 KFEQ AM.

— MWSU Sports Information —