ST. JOSEPH – One big inning lifted Griffon Softball (13-12, 2-4) to a win in its home debut, but a big inning by Central Missouri (10-8, 1-1) in game two left Missouri Western with a series split.

The Griffons jumped out to a big lead then held on for a game one win while it was UCM coming back on MWSU in game two.
 
GAME 1
Missouri Western 8, Central Missouri 6

• The Griffons scored seven runs in the third to stake an 8-1 lead
• MWSU batted 12 and prompted two UCM pitching changes in the third
• UCM didn't go away, chipping away at the lead and leaving runners on second and third to end the game
• Cassidy Kelsheimer went 3-for-3 in the game with a double, an RBI and a run scored
• Taylor Hoelscher hit a two-run home run, doubled and was 2-for-4 at the plate
• Brea Blanton went 2-for-3
• Sydni Hawkins was 2-for-4 with two runs scored
• Kaili Hinds improved to 7-3 with the win on six-plus innings pitched
• Olivia Goodale pitched a scoreless seventh to earn her third save of the season

 
GAME 2
Central Missouri 6, Missouri Western 3

• The Griffons had the bases loaded with two out for Kelsheimer in the bottom of the seventh, but a ground out gave UCM the win
• MWSU led 3-0 after three innings, but UCM got two in the fourth and four in the fifth to take the 6-3 lead
• The Jennies got a two-run home run from Mackenzie McAtee after a pitching change in the fifth before Goodale got two of the next three batters to ground out
• All three of the Griffons' runs came via home runs
• Kelsheimer homered and doubled in game two, going 2-for-4 at the plate
• Brea Blanton hit a two-run home run in the third and was 2-for-4 in the game

 
UP NEXT

• Missouri Western stays home to host Northwest Missouri (3-9, 0-4) in a re-scheduled doubleheader March 20 at 4 p.m.