Hornets fall in first round of MIAA Softball Tourney

May 3, 2023-Emporia State jumped out to a 3-0 lead but could not hold on in an 11-3 loss to #25 Missouri Southern in the first round of the MIAA Tournament on Wednesday in Topeka, Kan.

With one out in the first Abbey Ward reached on an infield single and went to third on Josie Harrision's single through the left side.  Ari Cordova followed with a single to center and Ward came around to score on a throwing error.  Haley Garnett then singled and Harrison was thrown out trying to score from second.  Emma Furnish then ripped a single to right center that plated two to give the Hornets a 3-0 lead and chase Lion starter Lacy Bailey.

The Lions scored five runs in the second and came back with six runs in the third to go up 11-3.  The Hornets would get two runners on with both in scoring position in the top of the third but could not score. Emporia State would get just one base runner the rest of the way on a Roni Raines walk in the top of the fifth.

Emma Furnish was one for two with two RBI while Haley Garnett was one for two with a run and an RBI. Josie Harrison took the loss allowing five runs on five hits in 1.1 innings.

The Hornets will be back in action on Thursday when they take on the loser of the game between Missouri Western and Rogers State.  First pitch is set for 1:30 p.m. in Topeka at the Envista Softball Complex at Lake Shawnee.