ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western softball team extended its winning streak to eight games Friday by defeating Minnesota State and Northern State on the opening day at the Apple Market Classic at the MWSU softball field.

Game 1 – Missouri Western 4, Minnesota State 2

The Griffons jumped out to a 2-0 lead after four with an RBI double from Tiffany Gillaspy in the first and a solo home run from Katie Klosterman in the fourth. Minnesota State knotted the game up at two in the top of the fifth when the Mavericks scored two on an error. Gillaspy put MWSU up 3-2 in the bottom half of the inning when she drove in her second of the game, this time on a sacrifice fly to center. Paige Shifflett hit the Griffons’ second homer of the game in the fifth to give the team an insurance run.

Janie Smith moved to 8-5 with the win, allowing just two unearned runs on 11 hits, while striking out three. Morgan Rathmann went 2-3 with two runs scored. Klosterman was 2-3 with one run scored and one driven in. Gillaspy finished 1-2 with two driven in.

Missouri Western improved to 16-9 on the season and will face Northern State in the second game of the day at 2 p.m.

Game 2 – Minnesota State 3, Northern State 0

MWSU jumped on the board early in the first innings when Morgan Rathmann doubled to left field, stole third and game home on an error by the catcher. The Griffons then added to their one-run lead in the bottom of the fifth inning when Tiffany Gallaspy singled to score both Rathmann and Shelbie Atwell.

The Griffons sent Shyanne Saladino to the mound as she earned her ninth victory of the season. Saladino allowed one hit, struck out four batters and pitched all seven innings.

Missouri Western is back in action Saturday as they’ll play Concordia University at 12 pm and Augustana College for game two.

— MWSU Sports Information —