March 9, 2017 - The Hornet softball team swept Missouri Southern in their home opener to start MIAA action. Emporia State took game one 6-2 and shutout the Lions 6-0 in the second game. They are now 15-11 on the season and 2-0 in MIAA play.
GAME ONE
The Hornets started off hot in game one, bringing home three runs on two hits in the bottom of the first. Danielle Sprinkle had a two RBI single through the middle to put Emporia State up 2-0. Jacie Stephens brought the third run of the inning in on a sac bunt, giving the Hornets the 3-0 lead. Emporia State scored another two runs in the fourth inning on a Sarah Glass single to extend the lead 5-0 over Missouri Southern. The Hornets had one more run in the fifth inning to go up 6-0. The Lions scored their two runs in the sixth inning. Glass hit two for three with two RBI. Sprinkle also had two RBI while Caitlin VanVleck went two for four. Holly Hinkel improved to 5-4 on the season, pitching all 7.0 innings. Hinkel allowed only two runs on nine hits with two strikeouts and no walks.
GAME TWO
The Hornets scored all six of their runs in the bottom of the fourth inning of game two to shut out the Lions. Glass led off in the fourth with a solo home run down the left field line. Katy Rae Nordman had a double to center field, extending the lead 3-0 with one out. Hailey Cope followed with a two RBI double to center field, giving Emporia State a 5-0 advantage. Cope hit three for three in game two with two RBI. Cassidy Berry joined with a multiple hit game, going two for three. Eryn Stockman pitched a complete game, allowing just three hits with no walks and three strikeouts. Stockman is now 8-6 on the season.
UP NEXT
The Hornets wrap up their home opening weekend with a double header against Pittsburg State. The first pitch will be at 3:00 p.m. on Turnbull Field at Trusler Sports Complex.
