March 20, 2016-The Hornets wrapped up their stay in St. Joseph, Mo. with a pair of losses on the final day of the Apple Market Classic. Emporia State fell 1-0 to Northern State and 12-4 to #16 Winona State.
NORTHERN STATE
Morgan Swisher made her first appearance in the circle for the Hornets and limited the Wolves to just one run on five hits. She had a shutout through five innings and the only run she gave up was a lead off homer to Macey Engel in the top of the sixth. Emporia State had a chance to score before the home run in the bottom of the fifth. With one out Erica Harper doubled and went to third on Marly Carmona's single. Katie Yoakum was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. Swisher hit a ground ball to second and the Wolves were able to get Harper at home for the second out, then Caitlin VanVleck hit a grounder to third and the Wolves third baseman was able to get the force to end the inning. The Hornets had another chance in the bottom of the seventh when Jacie Stephens reached on an error, but she was eliminated on a double play to end the threat.
Harper was two for three while VanVleck and Carmona each had one hit for the Hornets. Swisher went the distance in the circle, giving up just the one run on five hits with two walks.
#16 WINONA STATE
Caitlin VanVleck walked, went to second on a ground out and stole third in the top of the first but would be stranded when Danielle Sprinkle lined out to left. Winona State then scored seven runs in the bottom of the inning to take control of the game. Emporia State answered with two runs in the top of the second on Jacie Stephens two run homer that plated Cassidy Berry. The Warriors got a solo homer in the second to go up 8-2. Morgan Swisher reached on an error and went to second to lead off the third inning. Sarah Glass singled her in to pull the Hornets within 8-3. Winona State went back up by six runs with a run on two singles in the fourth inning and Emporia State answered in the top of the fifth when Swisher walked, stole second, went to third on a ground out and scored on a wild pitch. Winona State scored two unearned runs in the fifth to take an 11-4 lead and ended the game by run rule with a lead off homer in the bottom of the sixth.
Stephens was one for one with a walk, a home run, two RBI and a run scored. Morgan Swisher was officially hitless in two at bats but reached on a walk and an error on the way to two runs scored. Eryn Stockman went the distance in the circle for Emporia State.
UP NEXT
The Hornets will return to MIAA play on Friday, March 25 when they travel to Pittsburg State. First pitch of the double header is set for 3:00 p.m. in Pittsburg, Kan.
