February 16, 2019- Emporia State Softball took the first game of the day 5-2 over William Jewell on Saturday in the Alvy Early Memorial Classic in Arkadelphia, Ark. In a game that saw 20 combined hits, the Hornets stranded nine Cardinal runners to take the win.
After stranding two runners in the top of the first inning, the Hornets were first on the board as they got one run on two hits in the bottom half of the inning. Grace Moore walked and advanced to third on a base hit from Kelsey Phillips. Phillips stole second before Hannah Steeby walked to load the bases. Brittanie Shepherd got a base hit to advance the runners and bring Moore home to give the Hornets the 1-0 lead before leaving the bases loaded to end the inning.
The Hornets stranded another Cardinals base runner in the top of the second to keep William Jewell scoreless. In the bottom of the second, the Hornets extended their lead with one run on three hits. Rachel Kauss singled and was out at second as Presley Miller reached on a fielder's choice. Miller advanced to third as Kenzie Garvin and Moore hit back-to-back singles. Phillips got her first rbi of the game on a sac fly to advance the runners and bring Miller in for the score and put the Hornets up 2-0.
The Hornets extended their lead again in the bottom of the third with one run on two hits. Destiny Ojigoh walked to lead off the inning. Cassidy Beem drove Ojigoh home with a double to right field before getting caught at third on the play. The Hornets took a 3-0 lead heading to the fourth.
In the top of the fourth, the Cardinals got on the board with one run on one hit and would lead two runners on base. The Hornets were retired in order in the bottom half of the inning and led 3-1 heading to the fifth.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Hornets scored one run on two hits as Beem got a triple with two outs on the board. Kauss brought Beem home for the score with an rbi single to give the Hornets the 4-1 lead.
After retiring Cardinals batters in order, the Hornets scored their final run in the bottom of the sixth. Garvin led off for the Hornets and reached on an error before stealing second and third. Phillips got her second rbi of the game with a single that allowed Garvin to come home for the score and give the Hornets the 5-1 lead going into the final inning.
William Jewell got one run on three hits in the top of the seventh. The Hornets defense held strong to leave two runners on base and take the 5-2 win over the Cardinals.
Rachel Kauss led the Hornets with three hits followed by Kelsey Phillips and Cassidy Beem with two each. Phillips led the Hornets with two rbi in the game. Montana Mesler pitched her fourth complete game of the season. She threw 7.0 innings with three K's.
The Hornets second game of the day has been canceled. Emporia State is still scheduled to play Sunday against Henderson State and Southern Arkansas in Arkadelphia. The Hornets will then travel to Searcy, Ark. on Monday to play a double header against Harding.
