ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western softball team swept its third-straight doubleheader over Missouri Southern on Friday, setting up a showdown for first place in the MIAA on Saturday.
 
The Griffons run-ruled Missouri Southern in both games and Northwest Missouri State's sweep of Pittsburg State, made Saturday's doubleheader for sole possession of the top spot in the conference standings. Pittsburg State has lost three of its last four to tie them with the Griffons at 17-3 in league play. Saturday will also be senior day as the team will honor Emilie Laliberte, Shyanne Saladino and Janie Smith after the doubleheader is complete .
 
GAME 1: #18 MWSU 10, Missouri Southern 2 (6 innings)
Missouri Western picked up its fifth straight win on Sydney Washington's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth.
 
The Griffons scored six in the second to break a 1-1 tie and take control of the game. The inning was highlighted by Kailey Green's 12^th home run of the season, a three-run shot down the left field line. Green finished game one, 2-3. Paige Shifflett was 3-4 with one RBI and two runs scored. Morgan Rathmann was 2-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Shelbie Atwell was 2-3 with one RBI and a run scored.
 
Janie Smith picked up the win, moving to 17-7 on the season. Smith allowed two runs on five hits and struck out four.
 
GAME 2: #18 MWSU 10, Missouri Southern 1 (5 innings)
Missouri Western exploded for five runs in the first, capped by a grand slam by Katie Klosterman and never looked back.
 
After another run in the second, the Griffons put up a four spot in the third, thanks in large part to some creative base running and a couple wild pitches. Megan Korgie, Sydney Washington and Morgan Rathmann all stole bases in the inning. Washington stole home in the inning. Rathmann's stole two bases in the game, moving her eight away from the career record at Missouri Western.
 
Shyanne Saladino limited Missouri Southern to one hit over the first three innings. Janie Smith entered in relief and pitched the final two innings, giving up two hits and one run. Saladino got the win, improving to 15-3 overall.