February 26, 2018- Emporia State Softball split with McKendree University on Monday. The Hornets lost game one 3-0 before winning the late game 5-4 over the Bearcats.
Game One
The Bearcats got on the board early with one run in the first inning. The teams exchanged outs for three innings before the bearcats concluded the scoring with two runs in the top of the fifth inning. The Hornets were unable to capitalize on their five hits in the game leaving six runners on base in the game.
At the plate Caitlin VanVleck led the Hornets with two hits in three at bats. Danielle Sprinkle, McKenna Davis and Cassidy Beem each added on hit for the Hornets.
Montana Mesler started the game in the circle for the Hornets and pitched the full game allowing three runs on eight hits with eight K's.
Game Two
The Bearcats got on the board first in game two with one run in the top of the first innings. Emporia State answered quick with five runs in the bottom of the inning to take the 5-1 lead. Kenzie Garvin singled down the left line then stole second, Caitlin VanVleck walked, Annelise Rockley reached on an error advancing the runners before Danielle Sprinkle hit a sac fly to bring Garvin home and advance the runners. McKenna Davis singled to center field scoring VanVleck and Rockley. Hailey Cope double to right field to score Davis before Cassidy Beem drove her home with a double to right field to conclude the scoring in the inning. The teams exchanged outs until the top of the fifth when McKendree scored three runs to cut the Hornets lead to 5-4. The Hornets were able to hold off the Bearcats comeback attempt with a pitching change in the fifth inning.
At the plate the Hornets had six different players with one hit each and five players that scored. Kenzie Garvin, Annelise Rockley, Kelsey Phillips, McKenna Davis, Hailey Cope and Cassidy Beem each had a hit for the Hornets in the game.
Destiny Ojigoh started the game in the circle and got the win for the Hornets and pitched four and a third innings allowing four runs on ten hits before being replaced by Kelsey Phillips in the fifth inning. Phillips pitched two and two thirds innings and got the save for the Hornets allowing no runs on just one hit.
The Hornets will be back in action on Friday March 2nd as they play host to Central Oklahoma in a double header at Trusler Sports Complex to open MIAA play.
