MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Griffon Softball (44-12) was shutout for the first time all season, managing just one hit in a 6-0 loss to Southern Arkansas in the second game of the NCAA Central Region 2 Tournament.
 
Southern Arkansas pitcher Kaylee Garner was perfect through the first three and two-thirds before Paige Shifflett singled to left field. Garner would only allow one more base runner the rest of the game, a leadoff walk to Shelbie Atwell in the seventh to become the first pitcher to shutout the Griffons all season. Southern Arkansas did almost all its damage in the sixth, scoring five runs in the inning. After retiring the first batter of the inning, five straight hits, including two home runs chased Smith from the game. Shyanne Saladino entered in relief and allowed one single before retiring the next two batters.
 
HOW THEY SCORED
1^st inning
Darian Harris roped a two-out single to center to score Liz Hudgins – 1-0 SAU
6^th inning
Brooke Gload solo home run off a sign down the right field line – 2-0 SAU
Maddie Dow hit a two-run home run to left center on a 3-2 pitch – 5-0 SAU
Kim Wheelhorn scored on a throwing error by Paige Shifflett – 6-0 SAU
 
IN THE BOX SCORE
Paige Shifflett delivered the only hit for Missouri Western. She was 1-3. Shelbie Atwell drew a leadoff walk in the seventh, Missouri Western's only other runner.
Janie Smith (23-9) went five and a third, giving up nine hits and all six runs, five of them earned. She didn't walk or strike out a batter. Saladino recorded the last two outs, allowing one hit.
Kayle Garner pitched seven innings, allowing one hit, one walk and three strikeouts to move to 23-3 on the season. She has not lost a decision since March 25.
 
NOTABLES
- It was the first time the Griffons were shutout this season
- First time a team scored five or more runs on MWSU since Nebraska-Kearney on April 3 (W, 6-5).
- It was the most runs scored on Missouri Western since Northwest Missouri defeated the Griffons 10-9 on Mar. 29
- Griffon defense's first multi-error game since committing four against Northwest Missouri on April 14
- Southern Arkansas won its second ever NCAA Regional game
- The loss left Missouri Western without back-to-back wins in a regional since 2009
 
UP NEXT
Missouri Western will play an elimination game at 6 p.m., Friday against the winner of Central Oklahoma vs. Minnesota Duluth.