Softball | 4/13/2012 3:24:00 PM
HOME FINALE
The Hornets take on Lindenwood and Lincoln in the final regular season home games of the season. Saturday is Think Pink and area softball team day while Sunday will be Senior Day for the Hornets lone senior, Jen Heerey.
LAST AT BAT
The #20 Emporia State softball team clinched a share of their seventh MIAA regular season championship in the last eight years with a double header sweep of Pittsburg State in Pittsburg. The Hornets won both games by run rule, taking an 11-3 win in game one and a 12-4 decision in game two. Amanda Self was two for four with two doubles and two RBI in the first game, while Kendra Gifford went two for two with two runs, two stolen bases and an RBI. A day after recording her MIAA record third no hitter of the season, Karley Schmelzer allowed three runs on five hits with four walks and three strikeouts. Stephanie Goodwin went three for three with five RBI, two runs, a double, homer and intentional walk while Jessica Brewer was two for four with four RBI and two runs scored to account for nine of ESU's 12 RBI in the second game. Lauren Sharp allowed four runs, two of them earned, on seven hits with three walks and two strike outs to record her eighth win of the year.
THE?COACHES
Julie LeMaire is 27-7 in her first season at Emporia State and is 119-84 in her fourth season as a head coach. She came to ESU from Ft. Hays State and took the Tigers to the MIAA Tournament Championship game last season. She was 3-0 against Lincoln at FHSU and this will be her first meeting with Lindenwood.
Don Loborg is 190-158 in his seventh season at Lindenwood. This is his first meeting with ESU.
Nicole Stacey is 37-100 in her third year at Lincoln. She is 0-2 against ESU.
SCOUTING LINDENWOOD
The Lions are 13-27 and have gone 6-11 against MIAA competition this season. Emily Johnson is batting .311 with three home runs and 15 RBI. Megan Noe is 6-7 with a team best 5.07 ERA.
SERIES AGAINST THE LIONS
This is the first meeting between ESU and future MIAA member Lindenwood.
SCOUTING LINCOLN
The Blue Tigers are 16-30 on the year, 3-9 in the MIAA and have won four of their last seven. They are batting .246 as a team. Starr McLeod is 7-17 with a 3.64 ERA.
SERIES AGAINST BLUE TIGERS
The Hornets lead the all-time series 15-0 since the first meeting in 1992.
LAST TIME VS. LU
The Hornets swept a double header from Lincoln 7-3 and 11-0 in Jefferson City last season. ESU scored six unearned runs in the matinee game that had a combined 13 errors. Andrea Piezuch was two for three with two runs scored and two RBI while Abby Hughes had two RBI without getting a hit. Karley Schmelzer gave up three runs, none of them earned, on three hits. The Hornets broke out the bats in game two, scoring 11 runs on 11 hits in five innings. Angela Mahan was three for three with four RBI and two runs scored. Katie Huffman was one for two with three RBI and Taylor Riechard went two for two with three runs scored. Jen Heerey went 4.0 innings giving up four hits while Lauren Sharp pitched a perfect fifth.
UP NEXT
ESU has three road double headers left before the MIAA Tournament. ESU is traveling to Northeastern State on April 20 and #4 Central Oklahoma on April 21 before ending the regular season on April 23 at Newman.
