MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University softball team used a walk-off single in the 10th inning to complete a doubleheader sweep of the Fort Hays State University Tigers Friday at Bearcat Field.

The Bearcats moved to 24-7 overall and 4-2 in the MIAA by taking game one in six innings, 8-0, and the second game in 10 innings, 3-2. The Tigers fell to 15-18 overall and 3-7 in league play.

In Game 1, Northwest dominated with a decisive 8-0 victory, highlighted by a four-run third inning and another four-run outburst in the sixth. Jadyn Streigle pitched six scoreless innings, allowing five hits while striking out four. The scoring began in the third inning when Emma Hague doubled to left field and later scored on a single by Omara Love. Timber Wilson and Kaylee Cords followed with singles, setting up Sara Farlow, who delivered a two-RBI single. Jaeleigh Darnell added an RBI-single to close out the inning, giving Northwest a 4-0 lead.

The sixth inning saw Northwest extend its lead further. With the bases loaded, Mackenzie Mlnarik reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Curstin Todd and pinch runner Karine Morrison to score, aided by a Fort Hays State error. Love then drove in two more runs with a single to left field, bringing the final score to 8-0 for her first of two walk-off hits on the day.

In terms of individual performances, Streigle's complete game shutout marked her 11th win of the season, showcasing her ability to effectively control the game. Love led the offense with three RBIs and two hits, while Hague contributed by scoring two runs and hitting a double. Farlow also added to the scoring with two RBIs and a hit.

In Game 2, Northwest edged out Fort Hays with a 3-2 victory in 10 innings. Fort Hays took an early lead in the first inning when Hannah Green doubled and later scored on an error, followed by Peyton Shepard scoring on a single by Lilly Mohr, leaving Northwest trailing 2-0. However, Northwest responded in the second inning. After Sara Farlow walked, Jaeleigh Darnell hit a two-run homer to left field through a biting wind, tying the game at 2-2.

The game remained tied through the ninth inning, with both teams unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. In the 10th inning, Alexis Brown walked and stole second. After advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by Emma Hague, Brown scored the winning run on a single by Omara Love, securing the 3-2 victory. The victory improved Northwest to 10-2 in one-run games.

Rien Moore delivered a commanding performance for Northwest, pitching a complete game, allowing only five hits and no earned runs while striking out seven batters. Despite issuing seven walks, Moore maintained control by inducing 14 flyouts and eight groundouts, improving to a 9-1 record on the season. Darnell's home run and two RBIs, along with Brown's contribution of a hit, a walk, and a stolen base, were crucial for the victory.

Looking ahead, Northwest Missouri State will face Central Missouri on Saturday, March 28, at noon in Maryville, Mo.