MARYVILLE, Mo. —The Missouri Western Griffons were able to score a doubleheader sweep of the Northwest Missouri State University softball team on the Bearcat Senior Day.
The Griffons tossed a pair of shutout victories with a 4-0 triumph in game one and an 8-0 six-inning win in game two. The Bearcats are 31-20 overall and 10-14 in the MIAA. Missouri Western is 32-17 overall and 11-13 in MIAA play.
The Bearcats have earned a spot in the 2026 MIAA Tournament and will learn of their assignment Saturday following the close of the rest of the MIAA regular season. The 2026 MIAA Tournament will be May 6-9 in Emporia, Kan.
GAME ONE
Northwest struggled to convert its six hits into runs. Missouri Western capitalized early, scoring three runs in the first inning. Kalee Higdon doubled to right field and later scored on a single by Sophie Johnson. Brooklynn Clark contributed with a two-RBI single, putting Missouri Western ahead 3-0. The lead was extended in the second inning when Kenedee Giddens advanced to third on a wild pitch, setting up a sacrifice fly by Sydney Young, making it 4-0.
Despite a rally in the seventh inning when
Curstin Todd,
Jaeleigh Darnell, and
Kiara Schaub each singled to load the bases, Northwest was unable to score.
Jadyn Streigle pitched a complete game for the Bearcats, allowing seven hits and four earned runs while striking out two batters, bringing her record to 15-8 for the season. Streigle retired the final 17 batters she faced in the contest.
Jaeleigh Darnell led the offensive efforts with two hits, while
Alexis Brown reached base twice with one hit and a walk.
GAME TWO
Missouri Western continued its dominance. The visitors scored three runs in the second inning, with Ayva McComas scoring on a walk, Morgan Byrd crossing home plate on a wild pitch, and Brooklynn Clark stealing home to lead 3-0. The sixth inning saw Missouri Western extend its lead significantly, scoring five more runs. Lauren Newlin scored on a walk, followed by a two-run single from Sydney Young, and Ashlyn Finarty capped off the inning with a two-run single, resulting in an 8-0 final score.
Rien Moore pitched 5 2/3 innings for the Bearcats, striking out eight batters but allowing eight earned runs on five hits while struggling with command, issuing seven walks.
Erika Gore came in for relief, pitching 1/3 of an inning.
Omara Love was a bright spot for Northwest, recording two hits, while
Sara Farlow added another hit to the offense.
