The Missouri Western softball team played well but could not out last the 16th ranked Lady Hornets in the MIAA Championship game on Saturday afternoon falling 6-5. The Griffons are 42-11 and will play in the NCAA Tournament next week.
Things looked good for the Griffons early on as they scored three runs in the top of the first inning. Sarah Elliott started things for Western with a one out double down the left field line. Tiffany Gillaspy then reached on a fielding error by Hornet third baseman Jessica Gragg before Keri Lorbert singled through the left side giving MWSU a 1-0 lead. With two outs and runners on second and third Leah Steele struck out on a wild pitch and beat the throw to first allowing Gillaspy to score for a 2-0 lead. Taylor Anding singled to left scoring Lorbert but Steele was thrown out trying to go first to third ending the inning.
The Hornets got on the board in the second when Taylor Reichard singled with one out and Gragg doubled to left center scoring her cutting the Western lead to 3-1. Andrea Piezuch and Jessica Brewer led off the third with back to back singles for the Hornets and with two outs Amanda Self delivered a two run double to right center tying the score at three.
Western responed in the top of the fourth with one out as Maegan Roemmich reached on a throwing error by Gragg, her second error of the day and Blair Stalder connected on a home run to right putting the Griffons back on top 5-3. The homer was Stalder’s second of the season. Emporia cut the lead to one in the bottom of the fourh when Kendra Gifford hit a one out triple and scored on Taylor Zordel’s single.
The Hornets took the lead for good in the fifth inning when two hits and a walk by Bishop loaded the bases with one out. Gragg then hit a two run single to left giving ESU the 6-5 lead.
Stalder led off the sixth with a single before Gragg made a diving catch off a sacrifice bunt attempt Breanna Fleschner keeping the runner at first with one out. Elliott then reached when Zordel bobled a grounder putting runners at first and second. Gillaspy flew out for the second out and Lorbert hit a grounder that Reichard knocked down saving a run. Sorensen ended the inning with a fly out leaving the bases loaded.
Bishop retired the Hornets in order in the sixth for the first time during the game, but in the top of the seventh Western struckout twice and got robbed of a hit ending the game and any chance at the MIAA title.
Western had eight hits with Lorbert and Stalder both getting two. Elliott, Gillaspy, Steele and Anding all had one hit. Bishop falls to 24-4 on the season giving up 10 hits and six earned runs while striking out four.
Gragg was two for three with three RBI, including the game winner. Self went one for two with two RBI and a run scored. Karley Schmelzer won her 18th game of the year giving up just two earned runs on eight hits with six strikeouts. ESU improves to 39-9 with the win.
Western will be playing next week in the NCAA Tournament. The selection show is scheduled for 10:00 pm ET on Monday, April 30.
— MWSU Sports Information —