EMPORIA STATE SOFTBALL SWEPT IN MIAA CONFERENCE OPENER

March 7, 2019- Emporia State Softball fell 4-0 and 7-3 in both games of the double header to Lindenwood on Thursday in Andover, Kan.
 
Game One
The first game of the double header saw no hits from either team through the fifth inning with the only base runners coming on walks for Lindenwood in the top of the first and fifth innings.
 
In the top of the sixth inning, the Lions got on the board with one run on two hits and one Hornet error. After retiring Hornet batters, the Lions extended their lead with three runs on four hits in the top of the seventh to take a 4-0 lead.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, the Hornets got two hits but were unable to capitalize and overcome the deficit as the Lions went on to win 4-0 in game one.
 
Kenzie Garvin and Gabby Biondo recorded the Hornets two hits in the game. Montana Mesler started in the circle for the Hornets pitching 6.2 innings allowing four runs on six hits with three K's. Brylie Bassett pitched the final out for the Hornets.
 
Game Two
The Lions jumped out to an early lead in game two with a lead-off home run to start the game. Lindenwood capped off the top of the first inning with a two run home run to extend their lead to 4-0 after the first.
 
In the top of the second, the Lions would get one run on one hit to make their lead 5-0 after two innings. The Lions capped their scoring in the top of the fourth with two runs on two hits to take a 7-0 lead heading to the bottom of the fourth.
 
The Hornets got on the board in the bottom of the fourth with two runs on two hits and one Lion error. Gabby Biondo led-off with a double to left center field and advanced to third as Cassidy Beem reached on an error. Biondo scored when Beem was caught in a rundown between first and second. Kelsey Phillips walked and scored on a double from Destiny Ojigoh to cut the Lions lead to 7-2 after four innings.
 
Trailing in the bottom of the seventh inning, Ojigoh singled up the middle to lead off and advanced to third on a single from pinch hitter, Brittanie Shepherd. Kailee Odegard walked to load the bases before Ojigoh scored as Kenzie Garvin reached on a fielder's choice. The Hornets scored one run on two hits in the inning to make the final score 7-3 in favor of the Lions.
 
Destiny Ojigoh and Brittanie Shepherd led the Hornets with two hits each. Ojigoh, Kelsey Phillips and Gabby Biondo each scored one run for the Hornets. Sydney Righi started in the circle for the Hornets pitching 3.2 innings allowing seven runs on six hits. Kelsey Phillips finished the game with 3.1 innings allowing just two hits.
 
The Hornets are back in action on Friday, March 8 as they take on Lincoln at Andover Central HS in Andover, Kan.