EMPORIA, Kan. - The Emporia State University Hornets took two games from the Northwest Missouri State University softball team Saturday at the Trusler Sports Complex.
ESU won game one, 11-3, in six innings and completed the sweep with a 6-1 triumph in game two. ESU moved to 25-14 overall and 11-7 in MIAA play, while Northwest dipped to 28-15 overall and 8-10 in MIAA action.
GAME ONE
Emporia State set the tone early, scoring six runs in the first inning, including a three-run home run by Ally Miller, to take a commanding 6–1 lead. Northwest started strong as
Mackenzie Mlnarik crossed home plate after a double by
Kaylee Cords, but the Bearcats struggled to maintain momentum. They added two runs in the fourth inning, with
Curstin Todd scoring on a triple by
Jaeleigh Darnell, followed by Darnell scoring on a bunt single by
Alexis Brown, narrowing the gap to 8–3. However, Emporia responded with three additional runs in the sixth, including another two-run homer from Miller, securing the game at 11-3.
Jadyn Streigle started for Northwest, pitching 2.0 innings and allowing six earned runs on eight hits, while
Olivia Moyer followed with 3 2/3 innings pitched, conceding four earned runs. Cords and Darnell each recorded two hits, with Darnell contributing a triple and one RBI.
GAME TWO
Northwest struggled to keep pace with Emporia State, who took an early lead with a solo home run by Brooke Flewelling in the first inning. Northwest's
Sara Farlow evened the score with a solo home run of her own in the second, but Emporia quickly regained control. They extended their lead in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Brynley Smith and another run from Avery Brewer, ending the inning with a 4–1 advantage. Emporia added two more runs in the sixth, with Flewelling driving in two with a double, concluding the game at 6–1.
Rien Moore pitched 3 2/3 innings for Northwest, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and striking out five, while
Erika Gore pitched the final 2 1/3 innings. Farlow highlighted the offense with a home run and two RBIs, while Darnell contributed with two hits, including a double.
The Bearcats will look to bounce back in their doubleheader against Washburn on Sunday, April 19, at 1 p.m. in Topeka, Kan.
