ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western softball team took two games from Sioux Falls Sunday as they swept their first home doubleheader of the season.  The Griffons defeated the Cougars in game one, 7-3, and blanked USF in game two, 3-0, as MWSU improves to 7-1 this season.
 
GAME 1 – Missouri Western 7, Sioux Falls 3
After falling behind 2-1 in the top of the third inning, the Griffons used a four-run bottom of the third and added two more in the fourth inning to pull away from Sioux Falls. 
 
Sydni Hawkins and Brea Blanton had three hits each to lead MWSU's 11-hit attack.  Hawkins scored two runs and Blanton drove in two.  Emma Hoffart added two hits, one RBI and one run scored, while Rian Gere had two runs batted in.
 
Kaili Hinds earned the win in the circle as she went six innings and struck out seven.  Hinds allowed three runs on seven hits as she is now 2-0 this season.
 
GAME 2 – Missouri Western 3, Sioux Falls 0
Missouri Western senior pitcher Kelly Uthe was one out away from a no-hitter in game two Sunday before Shayla Running of USF hit a bouncing ball up the middle for a base hit.  Uthe struck out six and walked just two as she improves to 2-1 this season.
 
Hawkins led the Griffon offense again with another three-hit performance.  She homered in the first inning to get MWSU on the board and also scored on a wild pitch in the third.  Taylor Hoelscher drove in the other Griffon run with a single in the third inning.
 
UP NEXT
Missouri Western is back at it Monday as they play a doubleheader at home against Minnesota Duluth beginning at 3:00 p.m. from the Griffon Spring Sports Complex.