SEASON ENDS AT MIAA TOURNAMENT FOR EMPORIA STATE SOFTBALL

May 7, 2022-The Emporia State softball team saw it's season come to an end on Saturday at the MIAA Tournament in a 3-1 loss to Neb.-Kearney.

The Hornets got on the board without the benefit of a hit in the second inning.  Maddy Broxterman led off with a walk and pinch runner Lexi Williams was sacrificed to second by Alexis Dial.  Williams went to third on a passed ball.  After Harley Sturm was hit by a pitch Josie Harrison lifted a sac fly to right that plated Williams and gave Emporia State a 1-0 lead.

The Lopers answered with a three run top of the third inning.  With one out Lyndsey Roth doubled and came home and single by Carlee Liesch to tie the game at 1-1.  Sydney Thomason gave the Lopers the lead with a two run homer to left field.  Sydney Righi would get a fielder's choice and a strikeout to end the inning but the damage was already done.

Madison Rosenthal would retire 12 straight Hornets before Brittanie Shepherd walked with one out in the bottom of the sixth to bring the tying run to the plate.  Rosenthal got a strikeout and pop up to end the threat.
 
Righi went 4.0 innings allowing three runs on five hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Despite scoring a run, the Hornets were no hit for the second time in three tournament games. Shepherd and Broxterman each walked while Sturm was hit by a pitch for the only Emporia State base runners.