MARYVILLE, Mo. – Griffon Softball (9-8, 2-0) swept a rivalry doubleheader to get back over .500 and open MIAA play 2-0. The Griffons scored 21 runs on 22 hits and doubled their season home run total with six in 13-11 and 8-3 wins at Northwest Missouri State (7-13, 0-2).
 
GAME 1
MWSU 13, Northwest 11
Missouri Western didn't out-hit or out-homer the Bearcats in the opener but they won the stat that matters.
 
Brea Blanton homered twice and Chloe Armstrong got her first collegiate homer. Northwest hit five over the fence and had 16 hits as the Griffons used all three of their pitchers. Missouri Western trailed once on a 2-run Northwest home run in the first, but never trailed again.
 
Blanton finished 3 for 4 with four RBIs and three runs scored. Armstrong was 2 for 4 with one RBI and three runs scored. Taylor Hoelscher and Markee Brown had two hits apiece.
 
GAME 2
MWSU 8, Northwest 3
The Griffons took an early 2-0 lead, fell behind 3-2 then scored six unanswered to complete the sweep.
 
Sydni Hawkins got the rally started, driving in Emma Hoffart with a single in the sixth to tie the game. Hoelscher put MWSU up for good with a two-run home run in the sixth before Armstrong provided insurance with a three-run home run in the seventh. Armstrong had two hits and drove in three. Hoffart and Hawkins each had two hits. Kaili Hinds picked up the win, striking out seven and not walking any batters. She allowed two earned runs on nine hits.
 
UP NEXT
Missouri Western hosts Drury in its home opener on Sunday at 2 p.m.