Win in MIAA Opener for Emporia State Softball over Fort Hays State

April 30, 2025-Emporia State used a five run third inning to take control in a 7-1 victory over Fort Hays State in the opening round of the MIAA Softball Tournament in Hays, Kan.
 
Starting pitchers Jordan Harrison for the Hornets and Savanah Egger for the Tigers allowed just one hit each through the first two innings.  Emporia State's Haley Garnett led off the bottom of the third with an infield single and went to second on a sac bunt.  Taryn Burkhardt then lifted a single to left center to put runners on first and second.  Sydney Wagner followed with a single through the left side to load the bases with one out.  Mallory Moore hit a grounder to short and Garnett was thrown out at the plate for the second out of the frame. Brooke Flewelling worked a walk to drive in the first run before  Ally Miller delivered the big hit of the game with a double to left center that cleared the bases and gave the Hornets a 4-0 lead.  Juliana De Luna then singled in Miller to push the lead to 5-0 and chase Egger.  Morgan Schmidt was able to come in and get the final out for the Tigers. Harrison followed with a shut down inning in the top of the fourth for Emporia State.
 
The Tigers would get two runners on with one out in the top of the fifth but the Hornets got a 5-3 double play to end the threat. The Hornets answered in the bottom of the inning with a two RBI pinch hit single from Avery Brewer that gave Emporia State a 7-0 lead.  Fort Hays State would get on the board in the top of the seventh thanks to a lead off triple by Lilly Mohr and a sac fly by Lexi Mohr.

Ally Miller went two for three with a double, three RBI and a run scored while Brooke Flewelling was one for two with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored.

Jordan Harrison worked 5.0 shutout innings fiving up three hits and a walk with two strikeouts.

With the win Emporia State advances to the MIAA Quarterfinals against Central Oklahoma.  First pitch is set for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 1 at Fleharty Family Field in Hays, Kan.

NOTES
Taryn Burkhardt stole one base to give her 40 on the season and mover her into a tie with Abbey Hughes (40 of 43 in 2010) for third on the ESU single season list.
Emporia State won their MIAA Tournament opener for the first time since 2018. Since 2003 the Hornets have gone on to win the tournament nine of the 12 times they have won their opener.