ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Missouri Western softball team’s bats played Jekyll and Hide in a split on day two at the Henderson State/Ouachita Baptist Ronnie Hawkins Memorial. Missouri Western plated 14 in a win against Arkansas-Monticello but mustered just one hit in an 8-0 loss to co-host Ouachita Baptist. The team now sits at 3-2 on the season.

Game 1: MWSU 14, Arkansas-Monticello 0 (5 innings)

The Griffons used a 12-run fourth inning to power themselves to a 14-0 win in five innings over Arkansas Monticello Sunday morning.

In their highest offensive output of the season, Missouri Western used just two home runs in the 14-run barrage. Coming into the game, MWSU had scored all but one run via the long ball, but in this one, the Griffons relied on two singles and a wild pitch to get things going.

An RBI single by Paige Shifflett in the first got the scoring going. Missouri Western added another in the first when Sydney Washington scored on a wild pitch. Shifflett drove in two more on a single to open the scoring in the fourth. Then MWSU got back to their 2015 ways. Kailey Green brought Washington and Shifflett in with a three-run shot to center in the fourth. One batter later, Shelbie Atwell cranked her first round tripper of the year to right center. The Griffons added five more in the inning on a pair of two RBI singles from Green and Tiffany Gillaspy and Morgan Rathmann scored on an error.

Green finished with a five RBI game, all coming in the fourth as she went 3-5. Gillaspy also had a three hit day, going 3-4 with three runs scored and two RBIs. As a team, the Griffons had 16 hits and 12 RBIs. Shyanne Saladino picked up her second win of the season, going all five innings and allowing four hits, while walking two and striking out three.

Game 2: Ouachita Baptist 8, MWSU 0 (6 innings)

The Griffon bats struggled to wake up while Ouachita Baptist found the plate often in an 8-0 loss for MWSU.

Ouachita Baptist scored one in the first, added two in the second then jumped out to a 7-0 lead after a four-run fourth. Taylor Schaben replaced Janie Smith in the circle after OBU’s first two runs in the fourth. Smith went three innings and was charged with seven earned runs on 10 hits. Schaben was effective in her first pitching action of the season, going two and two thirds and striking out one, while allowing one unearned run.

At the plate, Missouri Western mustered just one hit and entered the seventh with one. Macy Nantz retired the first 11 Griffons she faced before Sydney Wasington singled in the fourth.

Missouri Western returns to The Natural State next weekend for six games in three days in the UAM 8-State Classic to be played in Bentonville, Arkansas.

— MWSU Sports Information —

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western men’s basketball team snapped a two-game skid, knocking off MIAA co-leading Lindenwood, 67-58 Saturday in the fieldhouse.

MWSU built a 29-22 lead going to halftime on 42 percent shooting from the field. The Griffons would extend the lead to as many as 16 in the second half but had to hold off a comeback effort by Lindenwood. The Lions hit several key-three pointers in the second frame but MWSU answered each time to pull off the win and complete the first Men’s/Women’s sweep for MWSU since Dec. 18 against Northeastern State.

The Griffons were paced by Cortrez Colbert’s 23 points. Colbert added six rebounds. Cole Clearman finished with 13 points and five boards and Dareon Jones scored 11. Missouri Western held Lindenwood to 35 percent from the field. The Lions entered shooting 50 percent. MWSU was strong on the glass, outrebounding Lindenwood 40-31.

Missouri Western moved to 10-11 on the year and 6-8 in MIAA play. The take a week off before traveling to Missouri Southern on Feb. 14.

— MWSU Sports Information —

A dominant performance inside the MWSU Fieldhouse Saturday afternoon gave the Missouri Western women’s basketball team their third straight win overall and fourth straight at home. Missouri Western downed Lindenwood for the second time in seven days with an 80-50 win.

Missouri Western is now 11-9 on the season and 6-8 in MIAA play after shooting 51 percent from the field and having two players eclipse 20 points.

LaQuinta Jefferson had a game-high 23 and Sarafina Handy tied her career-high with 20 points in her second straight game. Jefferson added six assists and Handy got her 20 points on six of eight shooting from the field, including going for of six from three-point range.

The Griffons take a week off before traveling to Joplin on Feb. 14 to take on Missouri Southern. The Griffons defeated the Lions, 61-56 on Jan. 24 in the fieldhouse.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western baseball team played a double-header Saturday afternoon against Harding University. The Griffons split on the day falling in game one, 5-4 and winning game two by a score of 2-1.

Game 1

The Griffons and Bison needed an extra inning to decide the winner of game one. Harding punched in a run when Shane Kinnear drove in Alan Copeland in the bottom of the 10th inning.

The Bison used a four-run third inning to jump out to an early lead. Zac Stewart of Harding drive in two-runs on a double to right center and Jaxon Mohr followed that up with an RBI single into center field. The final run for the Bison came on a wild pitch to eventually score Stewart from third.

Missouri Western was able to close the gap in the bottom of the six when David Glaude hit his second homerun of the season to right center making the score 4-2.

In the eighth inning, the Griffons were able to tie the game when Mitch Thorman reached on a fielder’s error by the first baseman. This allowed Orencio Fisher and Cosimo Cannella to both come around and score.

Matt Russell tallied the pitching loss for the Griffons and Zac Stewart was able to record the win. The Griffons finished the game with seven hits, two errors and left six runners left on base.

Game 2

Missouri Western used a Mitch Thorman two-run homerun in the top of the sixth inning to beat Harding in the second game.

Hardings only run came on a fielding error by the shortstop which allowed John Chapman to score.

MWSU relied on Josh Lansangan to throw 3.1 innings. He gave up one-run and struck out two batters before Richard Peoples came into relief. Peoples finished with 3.2 innings pitch, two strikeouts and tallied his first win of the season for the Griffons.

Cosimo Cannella and Trevor LaHonta each went three-for-three in the game with Mitch Thorman’s homerun being the only other hit for the Griffons.

Jacob Stripling was the losing pitcher for the Bison. He went 5.2 innings, struck out two and allowed six hits.

The Griffons are now 3-3 on the season and will finish up the weekend with a nine inning game against Harding on Sunday afternoon.

— MWSU Sports Information —

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Missouri Western softball head coach Jen Bagley Trotter said this year’s team could hit home runs, and through the team’s first three games, it looks like she’s right. Missouri Western scored seven runs on the day, six coming by way of the home run in sweeping two games in the Henderson State/Ouachita Baptist Ronnie Hawkins Invitational. MWSU has hit six homers through their first three games that have accounted for all but one of their nine runs.

Game 1: MWSU 2, Henderson State 0

The Griffons used two solo home runs Saturday morning to defeat Henderson State, 2-0. Paige Shifflett put MWSU on the board first when she led off the top of the second with a solo shot in her first-ever collegiate at bat. Tiffany Gillaspy added another home run in the third. The home runs were two of the Griffons seven hits on the game. Katie Klosterman was the only Griffon with more than one hit, going 2-3. Shifflett and Gillaspy’s homers were the only extra base hits for the team.

Shyanne Saladino went the distance in her first action as a Griffon. She picked up her first win, allowing six hits and no runs.

Game 2: Mississippi College 3, MWSU 5

The Griffons went to the long ball again to start off game two, scoring their first four runs on round trippers. Janie Smith put the Griffons on the board in the second with a solo shot then Tiffany Gillaspy pulled MWSU within one, at 3-2, with her solo homer in the fifth. Morgan Rathmann would make the Griffons first seven runs of the year on homers when she bombed a two-run shot to right center in the fifth. Missouri Western’s first run of the year off anything other than a home run came in the fifth when Paige Shifflett doubled home Gillaspy to score MWSU’s final run of the game.

Janie Smith fell behind 2-0 on two RBI singles by Mississippi College in the first. She locked down and allowed just one more for the game, going all seven innings and striking out seven to even her record at 1-1 on the year. Smith also went 2-3 at the plate driving in one. She was the only Griffon with more than one hit in the game.

Missouri Western wraps up the HSU/OBU Ronnie Hawkins Invitational tomorrow with two games. They take on Arkansa Monticello at 10 a.m. and play at Ouachita Baptist at 2 p.m.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western Softball team opened the 2015 season with a 6-2 loss at Henderson State Friday. The Griffons scored both runs in the first inning and couldn’t hang on, giving up all six Reddie runs between the third and fifth innings.

MWSU jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first on Sydney Washington’s two-run home run. Morgan Rathmann led off the game with a single to left then stole second. Washington drove in MWSU’s first runs of the season when she blasted one to right field two batters later. The Griffons went without another hit from Washington’s round tripper until Brooke Schaben led off the seventh with a double.

Henderson State got on the board in the third when a wild pitch allowed one run to cross the plate. They added three more in the fourth when Allison Waggoner hit a three-run home run to put Henderson State up 4-2. Henderson State added two more in the fifth on another home run, this time a two-run shot that proved to be too much for the Griffons to overcome.

The two teams will see each other again on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the HSU/OBU Ronnie Hawkins Invitational. The Griffons will finish day one of the tournament when they play Mississippi College at 1 p.m.

— MWSU Sports Information —

The Missouri Western women’s tennis has been picked 10th in the preseason MIAA coaches poll.

The Griffons enter the spring portion of their schedule with a 2-0 record after a strong fall showing. New head coach Chris Canady will lead the program after taking over for Tom Smith during the fall portion of the season. Canady led MWSU to a win over Baker University in his first ever match as Griffons coach.

Western opens the spring season on Feb. 27 when they host Maryville University. The Griffons will play three straight on the MWSU Tennis Courts this spring and six of their first seven matches will be played at home.

Canady’s alma mater, Southwest Baptist was picked first in the poll with Northeastern State coming in second, while Nebraska-Kearney and Northwest Missouri were tied for fifth.

2015 MIAA Preseason Women’s Tennis Coaches Poll
1. Southwest Baptist (8) 98
2. Northeastern State (3) 93
T3. Nebraska-Kearney 72
T3. Northwest Missouri 72
5. Central Oklahoma 70
6. Emporia State 59
7. Washburn 42
8. Lindenwood 37
9. Fort Hays State 29
10. Missouri Western 23
11. Lincoln 10

— MWSU Sports Information —

Missouri Western football coach Jerry Partridge has announced the signing of 23 student-athletes to the 2015 team.

The 2015 signing class includes players from six states. Seven players are expected to play on the offensive side of the ball with nine signing to play defense. Another three players could play either way, and the Griffons added three specialists. The class went heavy on big men, with nine of this year’s class expected to play on the offensive or defensive lines.

Partridge’s team is coming off its 10th consecutive winning season, going 7-4 in 2014.

DiJuan Ussery
5-11, 165, Wide Receiver
Rockhill, South Carolina/Coffeyville Community College
“A true boom!” Partridge said. “He’s a big time play maker and will make an impact immediately. Has the highest level of speed.”
Offensive player of the year and MVP at Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, South Carolina…holds state record in 200 m.

Payton Craig
6-2, 205, Quarterback
Oologah, Oklahoma/Oologah H.S.
“I love coach’s kids,” Partridge said. “He was very productive in high school. He has great athleticism, size, arm, strength and knowledge.”
Four-year letter winner…went 227-436 and threw for 3,902 yards with 34 passing touchdowns in his high school career…rushed 315 times for 1,164 yards and 26 touchdowns…was an All-State and All-Conference player at Oologah HS.

Dominic Jamerson
6-0, 180, Running Back
Wardsville, Missouri/Blair Oaks H.S.
“He is one of our very best signees,” Partridge said. “He is a tremendous athlete and person and can play any skill spot on either side of ball.”
Four-year letter winner at Blair Oaks…first team All-State running back as a senior…also lettered four years as a track athlete.

Randy Rouse Jr.
6-3, 260, Offensive Line
Omaha, Nebraska/Benson H.S.
“Shawn is very heady player and extremely athletic,” Partridge said. “It’s great to have a Bunny become a Griff.”
Three-year letter winner…first team All-State (Huskerland Preps) and All-Conference Academic Team…named team’s lineman of the year and scholar athlete of the year.

Colten Hedrick
6-3, 240, Defensive Line
El Dorado Springs, Missouri/El Dorado Springs H.S.
“A Griffon son becomes a Griffon, that’s the way it should be,” Partridge said. “He’s very aggressive and physical and another coach’s kid.”
First team All-SWMO defensive end and offensive line…first team All-District defensive end and second team offensive line…also played basketball and competed in track and field all four years.

Matthew Vincent
5-10, 180, Punter
Lyons, Kansas/Fort Scott Community College
“He has great pop in that leg,” Partridge said. “He wants to get better and will here. He was coached by a Griff at Fort Scott.”
NJCAA Player of the Week…first team All-Jayhawk Conference punter…All-Region Six…two-year captain and an all-league honorable mention punter at Lyons H.S.

Joshua Riggs
6-5, 250, Defensive Line
Maysville, Missouri/Maysville H.S.
“Coached by a Griffon, he has great height and frame,” Partridge said. “His weight is down because of wrestling. He has a lot of desire and upside.”
Two-time All-State state and four-time All-Conference selection…Totaled 40 tackles and 9.5 sacks his senior year…was a two-time All-News-Press selection…is a three-time wrestling state medalist…qualified for state shot put.

Hayden Eatinger
6-3, 275, Offensive Line
Peculiar, Missouri/Ray-Pec H.S.
“I loved him at our camp,” Partridge said. “He’s a learner, an athlete and a cornerstone type of guy with captain potential.”
First team All-Conference two years and voted team offensive lineman of the year…Also named All-District.

Trevor Belmont
6-4, 230, Tight End
Omaha, Nebraska/Omaha Northwest H.S.
“He had a great year in Omaha,” Partridge said. “Trevor has an extremely high ceiling and can be a big time receiving tight end with great hands and a huge frame.”
Finished the 2014 season with 22 catches for 373 yards and two touchdowns…also had 44 total tackles on defense…All-Metro honorable mention as a senior.

Sean Galey
5-10, 180, Kicker
Roeland Park, Kansas/Bishop Miege H.S.
“He’s a very good kicker that will only get better under the coaching we have here,” Partridge said. “He will compete for the job.”
2014 State Champion at Bishop Miege…was first team All-Conference and honorable mention All-State.

Brinden Ewing
6-3, 275, Offensive/Defensive Line
St. Joseph, Missouri/Central H.S.
“We’re very excited about Brinden,” Partridge said. “He has the feet and size and to be very good. I love when St. Joe kids want to be Griffs.”
Three-time All-Conference lineman at Central High School in St. Joseph.

Tanner Pettet
5-9, 180, Kicker
Pleasant Hill, Missouri/Pleasant Hill H.S.
“He has a powerful leg,” Partridge said. “He can kick some sky scrapers; we’re loaded with specialists once again.”
First team All-Conference and All-District as a kicker and punter in 2014…was first team All-Conference and All-District as a kicker in 2013.

Robert Richmond Jr.
5-11, 185, Defensive Back
Willard, Missouri/Willard H.S.
“Man can he tackle,” Partridge said. “He’s fast and physical and is another great get out of the southwest Missouri area.”
First team All-District and All-Area in 2014…was also a second team All-State selection.

Rashon Anderson
6-3, 230, Defensive Line
St. Louis, Missouri/Parkway North H.S.
“Rashon is a reckless and athletic player off the edge,” Partridge said. ” Hi is going to make a lot of plays.”
First team All-Conference and All-District as a defensive end in 2014…was an honorable mention All-Conference pick as a junior.

Connor Haynes
6-1, 230, Defensive Line
St. Joseph, Missouri/Bishop LeBlond H.S.
“Connor is another guy with Griffon lineage who wanted to wear black and gold.” Partridge said. “He’s strong and will work his way onto the field.”
Four year letter winner…second team All-State as a senior…first team All-MEC, All-District and All-News-Press…had 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2014.

Blake Burau
6-3, 212, Tight End
Lee’s Summit, Missouri/Lee’s Summit West H.S.
“Another Burau and Titan,” Partridge said. “He will be a tenacious blocker with good hands.”
Won a state championship as a junior…was an honorable mention All-Conference pick as a fullback/tight end…caught eight touchdowns with more than 400 receiving yards over two seasons.

LeAaron Hicks
6-1, 275, Linebacker
Plattsburg, Missouri/Plattsburg H.S.
“He’s another signee with huge upside,” Partridge said. “He’s a big kid with great agility and was an offensive weapon in high school. He’ll move to defense here at Missouri Western.”
All-State, All-KCI and All-District defensive end and running back.

Joseph Boettcher
6-3, 280, Defensive Line
Columbia, Missouri/Rock Bridge H.S.
“Joe Boettcher is going to be a good one,” Partridge said. “He was very active inside in high school and he will thrive at this level.”
A two-year letter winner…was an All-Region player and defensive MVP of his team.

Quendarius Bass
6-2, 260, Defensive Line
St. Joseph, Missouri/Lafayette H.S.
“Quendarius is another St. Joe guy who wants to play for the hometown team,” Partridge said. “Has a very good motor and will be a nice piece to our defensive line.”
Was a an All-State and All-Conference player at Lafayette High School in St. Joseph…had 65 solo tackles, three sacks and 12 tackles for loss his senior season.

Quintin Mueller
5-11, 180, Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
Smithville, Missouri/Smithville H.S.
“Quintin is a great get from Smithville,” Partridge said. “He can play either side of the ball. He’s a very good player and even better human.”

Thomas Bump
6-2, 205 Linebacker
Washington, Iowa/Washington H.S.
“He has the perfect name for a linebacker and he lives up to it.,” Partridge said. “He bumps into things violently and things happen when he’s around.”

Romello Cotman
6-2, 190, Defensive Back
Wichita, Kansas/Wichita Northwest
“Cotman has great length and leaping ability,” Partridge said. “He was one of our early targets out of talent rich Wichita.”

Preston Martin
5-11, 180, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
St. Joseph, Missouri/Lafayette H.S.
“Another good St. Joe kid,” Coach Partridge said. “He’s a competitor with great athletic ability. A good receiver with good tackling ability.”

— MWSU Sports Information —