ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western softball team lost both games of their doubleheader at home to Central Missouri Thursday night.  The Griffons dropped the opening, 7-2, and then fell in game two, 2-1.
 
Missouri Western is now 24-14 this season and 13-7 in the MIAA.  UCM improves to 28-10 and 17-5 in league play.
 
GAME 1 – Central Missouri 7, Missouri Western 2
Central Missouri scored seven two-out runs that were all unearned in the second inning in the opener and that was more than enough for the Jennies.  The Griffons made it interesting the seventh inning as they scored two runs on four hits, but they left the bases loaded.
 
Sydni Hawkins, Emma Hoffart and Sierra Culver had two hits each for MWSU, as Hawkins and Maddie Swanson had the RBI's.
 
Sydney Rader (11-6) suffered the loss as she gave up five hits in just two innings.  She struck out four and walked one.  Natalie Kissinger was impressive in relief for the Griffons as she threw five scoreless innings and allowed just four hits.
 
GAME 2 – Central Missouri 2, Missouri Western 1
Missouri Western struck first in game two as Hawkins was able to score in the bottom of the first inning.  She singled, stole second, advance to the third on a throwing error and then scored on a passed ball.  Unfortunately, that was all the Griffons would get.
 
Central Missouri scored two runs in the third inning with two outs to take the lead and one of those came because of a Griffon error.  MWSU had just four hits as Hawkins had two more.  She continues to lead the MIAA with a .534 average.  Rian Gere and Kalyn Damgaard had the other two hits.
 
Kaili Hinds (11-5) suffered the loss in the circle as she also allowed just four hits.  She struck out six and walked three batters in her 11th complete game of the season.
 
Hinds and Melanie Rasmussen were honored after the game as it was senior day for MWSU.
 
UP NEXT
Missouri Western has the weekend off as they play their final regular season home doubleheader Tuesday when they host Washburn beginning at 2:00 p.m.