February 8, 2026 – Emporia State softball fell 4-3 on Sunday against St. Mary's (TX) in their final game of the Alvy Early Classic.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Rattlers big inning came in the third as St. Mary's scored three runs, with the third coming on an error with two outs, one of two unearned runs the Hornets allowed on the day.
 
Emporia State eventually got on the board in the bottom of the fourth with two runs of their own, with the first coming on an RBI single by Avery Brewer and the second came on a Rattlers fielding error as the Hornets trimmed the deficit to 3-2.
 
However, the Rattlers responded in their next chance at the plate to restore a 4-2 advantage. The leadoff hitter reached on a Hornet error and eventually came around to score for the second unearned run of the game.
 
In the sixth, the Hornets threatened to comeback as they loaded the bases with one out still trailing 4-2. A groundout by Elina Bartlett brought home the third run and moved two into scoring position with two outs, but Emporia State was prevented from their fourth as they still trailed 4-3 through six frames.
 
The Hornets would be retired in order in their final at-bat in the seventh inning as they fell 4-3 against St. Mary's.
 
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State managed just two hits in the game while Avery Brewer and Elina Bartlett picked up the lone RBi for the Hornets.
 
The Hornets used three pitchers and Hannah Butterbaugh and Izzy Sloan combined to pitch the final 4.2 innings and did not allow an earned run.
 
UP NEXT
Emporia State will be off next weekend before playing in the Washburn Tournament the following week. The Hornets open the tournament on Friday, February 20 against Lincoln at Sliver Lake HS with first pitch scheduled for 10:00 a.m.