HAYS, Kan. – The Missouri Western softball team split a doubleheader at Fort Hays State on Saturday as they won the opener, 9-0, before dropping game two, 1-0.  MWSU is now 24-12 this season and 13-5 in the MIAA.
 
GAME 1 – Missouri Western 9, Fort Hays State 0 (5 innings)
After scoring two runs in the second inning of game one, Griffon centerfielder Brea Blanton broke the game open in the third with a grand slam to put MWSU up 6-0 and they cruised to a five-inning run-rule victory.
 
Sydni Hawkins and Sydney Rader led Missouri Western with two hits each, while Rader and Taylor Hoelscher each had one RBI. 
 
Rader earned the win in the circle as she's now 11-5 this season.  She allowed just three hits and had four strikeouts.
 
GAME 2 – Fort Hays State 1, Missouri Western 0
Kaili Hinds two-hit Fort Hays State in game two, but the Tigers were able to scratch a run across in the bottom of the sixth inning to take the lead and eventually get the split in the doubleheader.
 
FHSU was able to get their first three batters on base in the sixth with a single, walk and a fielder's choice and they scored their run on a sacrifice fly.  The Griffons only managed three hits in the game and never had more than one in any inning.  Their best chance game in the fourth when Missouri Western loaded the bases with one out and they weren't able to get a run.
 
Emma Hoffart had a double in game two, while Chloe Armstrong and Kalyn Damgaard added one single each.  Hinds struck out four and walked three in her six innings of work.
 
UP NEXT
Missouri Western returns home Friday as they entertain Central Missouri in a doubleheader beginning at 4:00 p.m. from the Griffon Spring Sports Complex.