February 20, 2026 – Emporia State softball opened the Washburn Invitational with a 4-1 win over Minnesota State on Friday afternoon from Silver Lake HS.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Hannah Butterbaugh set the tone for the Hornets in the top of the first, striking out the side. The offense quickly followed in the bottom half, as
Taryn Burkhardt singled to center to gets the frame started. After the first out,
Brooke Flewelling lifted her fifth homer of the season to put the Hornets ahead 2-0.
Following an error to open the second inning, Butterbaugh retired six straight over the next two innings, which included three more strikeouts. Emporia State's lead was extended in the bottom of the third, as
Sydney Wagner tripled to lead off the inning before coming in to score on a wild pitched to make the score 3-0.
Butterbaugh continued her strong outing, keeping the Mavericks out of the hit column until the top of the sixth. Minnesota State was able to put two in scoring position and bring the tying run to the plate, but a lineout to Wagner ended the inning and kept the 3-0 Emporia State lead intact.
In the bottom of the sixth,
Leslie Ramos led off the inning with a single and after stealing second with two outs, came in to score on an RBI single by
Elina Bartlett to make the score 4-0.
Minnesota State was able to get on the board in the seventh, but Butterbaugh limited the damage to one as Emporia State sealed the 4-1 win over the Mavericks.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Hannah Butterbaugh pitched a complete game with a career-high nine strikeouts while allowing just three hits.
At the plate, Emporia State had seven hits from seven different players, while
Brooke Flewelling drove in two runs with her first inning homer.
UP NEXT
Emporia State will take on Minnesota Crookston and Wayne State for day two of the Washburn Invitational on Saturday, February 21. First pitch in game one between the Hornets and Golden Eagles is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. from Silver Lake HS.
