ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western softball team bounced back from four straight losses to start the Hy-Vee Classic to win two games on the final day at the Spring Sports Complex.  The Griffons knocked off No. 14 Winona State, 3-1, and then blanked Upper Iowa, 4-0, to improve to 13-5 this season.
 
GAME 1 – Missouri Western 3, No. 14 Winona State 1
The Griffon got a complete game from freshman pitcher Sydney Rader and two home runs from Emma Hoffart to hand the Warriors their second loss of the season.
 
Missouri Western had just three hits, but Hoffart hit a two-run home run in the first inning and added a solo shot in the sixth for insurance and that was enough for Rader.  She's now 6-2 this season as Rader allowed just one run and five hits in seven innings.  She struck out seven and walked four.
 
GAME 2 – Missouri Western 4, Upper Iowa 0
MWSU's offense came alive against the Peacocks in the final game of the Hy-Vee Classic as they had 11 hits after having just 20 in the first five games. Rachel Stewart and Chloe Armstrong had three hits each, while Stewart drove in three runs.  Brea Blanton added two hits and two runs, while Kylie DeHook had a triple and scored twice.
 
Kaili Hinds threw a complete game two-hit shutout as she faced just one over the minimum.  Hinds struck out one and didn't walk a batter as she's now 5-1 this season.
 
UP NEXT
Missouri Western is on the road next weekend as they play two at Rogers State Friday beginning at 3:00 p.m. and then they play a doubleheader at Northeastern State Saturday at 12:00 p.m.