TOPEKA, Kan. — The Northwest Missouri State University softball team produced a conclusive 10-2 victory over Montana State University Billings on day two of the Washburn Invitational at Washburn Rural High School.
 
Northwest (10-5) hit four home runs and achieved a season-high 16 hits to dominate the game. This victory marked Northwest's seventh win in their last eight games, showcasing their impressive form. MSU Billings fell to 2-12 on the season.
 
Northwest started strong in the first inning with Omara Love scoring on a throw after a single by Kaylee Cords, putting them ahead 1-0. The Yellowjackets were unable to respond, keeping the score at 1-0 after the first inning.
 
In the third inning, Northwest's Jaeleigh Darnell hit a solo home run to extend the lead to 2-0. MSU Billings was held scoreless, maintaining the 2-0 advantage for the Bearcats after three innings.
 
The fourth inning saw Kiara Schaub hit a home run, bringing Northwest's lead to 3-0. The Yellowjackets scored twice in their half, closing the gap to 3-2 by the end of the fourth inning.
 
Northwest broke the game open in the fifth inning. Avery Mayberry hit a three-run homer, followed by a solo home run from Mackenzie Mlnarik, increasing their lead to 7-2. The Yellowjackets did not score, leaving the score at 7-2 after five innings.
 
In the sixth inning, Sara Farlow singled to center, allowing Emma Hague to score, pushing the lead to 8-2. MSU Billings remained scoreless, holding the lead at 8-2 after six innings.
 
The seventh inning saw Northwest capitalize on a throwing error by the Yellowjackets, scoring two unearned runs to extend their lead to 10-2. The Yellowjackets were unable to score in their half, securing a decisive 10-2 victory for the Bearcats. The final score was Northwest 10, the Yellowjackets 2.
 
Olivia Moyer pitched 4 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 3 and walking 1, concluding with a WHIP of 1.25. Moyer's performance included 67 pitches, 43 of which were strikes, effectively managing to keep the opposing team scoreless through the first three innings. Erika Gore relieved Moyer and pitched 3 innings, yielding 3 hits and no runs, while striking out 2 and walking 2, achieving a WHIP of 1.67. Gore's outing was highlighted by inducing 3 ground-ball double plays, effectively neutralizing potential threats and preventing any scoring. Gore earned her first save of the season and second of her career.
 
Mlnarik hit a home run and collected one RBI while scoring twice in the game. Alexis Brown tallied four hits and added one stolen base. Darnell also contributed a home run and drove in one run. Schaub recorded three hits, including a home run, and scored two runs. Mayberry, as a pinch hitter, hit a home run and drove in three runs.
 
Next up for the 'Cats, Northwest will participate in the last day of the Washburn Invitational on Feb. 22. First the Bearcats will take on Drury University at 1 p.m. CT, with a match up against Minnesota State University to follow at 3 p.m. CT.