HORNET SOFTBALL DROPS TWO IN BENTONVILLE, ARK.

February 11, 2022-Emporia State softball lost both games on day one of the Alvy Early Classic in Bentonville, Ark. The Hornets fell 9-1 to Harding and 5-1 to Ark.-Monticello.
 
HU 9, ESU 1
Nicole Shano hit a two out home run in the top of the first to give Harding a 1-0 lead.  It would be the only run Emporia State starter Gracie Rabe gave up over the first four innings but the Hornet offense could not take advantage. 
Harding added two runs in the top of the fifth. Shano single in a run off reliever Josie Harrison with one out, followed by an RBI double from Leigha Harris to make it 3-0. They tacked on an unearned run in the sixth to go up 4-0before scoring five runs in the top of the seventh to take a 9-0 lead.  Emporia State scored in the bottom of the seventh when Abbey Ward singled, went to second on a Maddie Broxterman single and advanced to third in a fielder's choice.  Sophia Rockhold would single Ward in for the only run of the game for Emporia State.
 
UAM 5, ESU 1
The Hornets scored first when Karly Johnson double in Alexis Dial in the top of the second. The Blossoms would tie the score on an RBI triple from Caroline Tedder who then scored on a passed ball to give UAM the lead at 2-1 after four innings.  They would add another unearned run in the fifth and two more unearned runs in the sixth for the final score of 5-1.
 
Emporia State is scheduled to play Southeastern Oklahoma and William Jewell on Saturday however cold temperatures have forced some adjustments to the schedule. As of Friday evening the Hornets will play the Savage Storm at noon followed by the Cardinals at 2:00 p.m. in Bentonville, Ark. however that may change depending on the weather.