February 10, 2019- Emporia State Softball fell in both games of the double header to Lynn on Sunday in Boca Raton, Fla. The Hornets fell 5-4 in game one, 4-0 in game two to wrap up to wrap up the weekend in Florida.
Game One
The Hornets were first on the board as Kelsey Phillips walked and was driven home by a double from Hannah Steeby in the top of the first. The Fighting Knights answered quickly with a run of their own to tie the game at 1-1 heading to the second.
Cassidy Beem doubled to left center field to lead off the top of the second. Beem advanced to third on a ground out before scoring when Rachel Kauss singled up the middle. Grace Moore reached on a fielder's choice to get Kauss out at second. Moore advanced to second on a wild pitch before scoring as Kenzie Garvin reached second on a throwing error. The Hornets finished the inning with two runs on three hits and two Fighting Knights errors to regain the lead 3-1.
After exchanging outs in the third inning, the Hornets extended their lead to 4-1 in the top of the fourth. Beem led off the inning with a single up the middle and advanced to second on a sac bunt. Kauss grounded out to third base advancing Beem to third. Moore reached on a fielding error that brought Beem in for the unearned run.
The Fighting Knights cut into the Hornets lead with two runs on three hits in the bottom of the fourth to bring the score to 4-3.
The Hornets were unable to answer in the top of the fifth as Steeby was caught stealing at third for the final out. In the bottom of the inning, the Fighting Knights took the 5-4 lead and wrapped up scoring for the game with two runs on three hits. Teams exchanged outs in batting order as the Fighting Knights took the win.
The Hornets were led by Cassidy Beem with two hits and two runs in the game. Hannah Steeby, Brittanie Shepherd and Rachel Kauss each added one hit for the Hornets while Kelsey Phillips and Grace Moore recorded one run.
Montana Mesler started in the circle and pitched the complete game for the Hornets. She pitched six innings allowing five runs on eight hits with six K's.
Game Two
The Hornets got out to a slow start in game two with no hits in the top of the first. Lynn took the lead early with two runs in the bottom of the inning to go up 2-0.
Steeby got the Hornets first hit of the game in the top of the second but would be out in a double play. After holding the Fighting Knights scoreless in the bottom of the inning, teams exchanged outs for two more consecutive innings.
In the bottom of the fifth, Lynn extended their lead to 4-0 with another two run inning on four hits. The Hornets got three hits in the top of the sixth, but were unable to capitalize as they would leave the bases loaded. After exchanging outs in the bottom of the sixth and top of the seventh, the Fighting Knights took the 4-0 victory.
Kenzie Garvin led the Hornets with two hits while Valerie Kinney, Hannah Steeby, Rachel Kauss and Grace Moore each added one. Kelsey Phillips started in the circle and received the loss for the Hornets. She pitched 5.2 innings allowing four runs on seven hits with three K's before being relieved by Brylie Bassett. Bassett pitched the final out in the sixth inning.
The Hornets will be back in action on Friday, February 15 as they travel to Bentonville, Ark. to compete in the Alvy Early Memorial Classic. The Hornets first game is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. against William Jewell.
