Softball | 5/2/2014 4:32:00 PM
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Box Score 3 UCO Box Score in htmlLWU Box Score in htmlNSU Box Score in htmlMay 2, 2014-Emporia State's run at the MIAA Softball Tournament ended with a loss to Northeastern State in the semifinals after wins over Central Oklahoma and Lindenwood earlier in the day. The Hornets beat the Bronchos 7-2 and shut out the Lions 2-0 before falling 3-1 to the RiverHawks.
After allowing an unearned run in the first,Emporia State scored four runs in the second to take the lead in the first game of the day against the Bronchos. The Hornets blew the game open with three runs in the top of the seventh on home runs by Jessica Gragg and Tricia Vogel. Vogel was three for four with two RBI, two runs scored and a home run for the Hornets while Stephanie Goodwin went one for three with two RBI. Kaitlyn Caston went the distance allowing two runs, only one of them earned, on seven hits with three strikeouts and no walks. She also scored two runs after twice being hit by a pitch.
The Hornets scored two runs on back to back RBI singles by Andrea Piezuch and Vogel in the third inning against Lindenwood. That was all the offense they would need as Caston tossed a six hit shutout. It was her fourth shut out of the year and combined with the win in the first game gave her an Emporia State single season record 33 wins on the season.
The semifinal was a rematch of the first round game between Emporia State and Northeastern State. The Riverhawks scored single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings for a 3-0 lead. The Hornets, who left the bases loaded in the third inning and two runners in scoring position in the fifth, got on the board in the sixth. Gragg led off with a single and stole second. She went to third on Piezuch's single and scored on an RBI single by Vogel. Caston went the distance in the circle allowing three runs on ten hits.
The Hornets will now await their NCAA Tournament fate. Emporia State was ranked second in the Central Regional rankings last week with the top two teams in the region hosting tournaments. The NCAA Division II Softball Selection Show will be shown on ncaa.com Monday, May 5 at 9:00a.m.
