Softball | 4/26/2012 8:07:00 PM
ESU vs. LU Box Score
ESU vs. UCM Box Score
April 26, 2012-The #16 Emporia State softball team opened the MIAA Tournament with a pair of run rule wins over Lincoln and Central Missouri to advance to the winners bracket championship game. The Hornets defeated the Blue Tigers 11-0 and the Jennies 8-0 on Thursday night at the Blue Valley Recreation Complex in Overland Park, Kan.
Pitching was key as Jennifer Heerey and Karley Schmelzer each tossed one hit shutouts for the Hornets. Offensively every Hornet in the lineup either scored a run or got an RBI in the 11-0 win over Lincoln. Andrea Piezuch was one for three but reached base three times and scored three runs. After giving up a two out single in the first, Heerey retired the next 13 batters for her fifth shutout of the year.
ESU lost the coin flip in game two and were the visitors on the scoreboard. They responded by scoring four runs in the top of the first to give Schmelzer all the run support she would need. She struck out seven of the first ten Jennies she faced and after allowing a lead off single in the third, retired the final nine Jennies. Taylor Reichard was three for three with four RBI and a run scored to lead the offense.
The Hornets will play Ft. Hays State in the winners bracket championship game at 3 p.m. on Friday with the winner advancing to the tournament championship game at noon on Saturday. FHSU eliminated ESU from the tournament last year and ended the Hornets seven year run as tourney champions. Over the summer Julie LeMaire left FHSU to take over at ESU.
