February 9, 2025 – Emporia State softball fell on Sunday afternoon in the finale of the Alvy Early Memorial Classic, as the Hornets dropped their matchup against Southern Arkansas 6-0.
The Hornets and Muleriders settled into an early pitcher's duel between
Gracie Rabe and Rogers as Emporia State managed the only hit through the first two innings. Southern Arkansas broke through the deadlock in the third inning as they scored one run on two hits against Rabe in the inning.
Emporia State tallied two more hits in the third inning, but were held scoreless in the frame.
Both teams continued to struggle on offense over the next three innings, while Rabe retired eleven straight Muleriders after the first run of the game. Southern Arkansas was able to ultimately rally in the seventh, putting together five runs on five hits to extend their lead over the Hornets to 6-0.
The Hornets, looking to rally in the seventh, started the inning with a lead off double by
Leslie Ramos and a hit-by-pitch to
Kinsey Perine. After two outs,
Taryn Burkhardt singled to load the bases, but Emporia State was unable to continue the rally, falling 6-0 against the Muleriders.
Five different Hornets recorded a hit in the game, with
Leslie Ramos going 2-3 with a double.
Taryn Burkhardt also reached base twice.
Emporia State will be back in action on Friday, February 21 as they take on Concordia-St. Paul in the first of six games at the Washburn Tournament.
