ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Strong pitching and stranded runners sunk Griffon Softball in Tuesday's doubleheader, losing 3-0 and 4-2 to Nebraska-Kearney in an MIAA matchup at the Spring Sports Complex.

Game 1

Despite pitcher Sydney Rader's seven-strikeout-complete game, Missouri Western couldn't muster any offense in support, stranding seven runners on base. The Lopers leaped in front during the fourth inning with the only hit that resulted in any runs during game one — a three-run home run to right-center field by Katie Goske. The Griffons had something cooking in the sixth with a leadoff double by Chloe Armstrong, but a fielder's choice and eventual double play erased MWSU from the basepaths. 

Game 2 

Much like game one, UNK went ahead first with a two-run triple to start the first inning. Missouri Western tied things up at 2-2 thanks to a Taylor Hoelscher double to center that scored Abby Dickey. However, MWSU went backwards with an error by Kylie DeHook at third base to start the seventh, resulting in two more Loper runs. 

Brea Blanton and Sydni Hawkins gave the Griffons a chance in the bottom half of the frame with a double and a walk respectively, but Emma Hoffart grounded out to third to end the game. With Blanton and Hawkins stranded, Missouri Western left seven runners on base in both games of Tuesday's doubleheader.

Next Up

While the Lopers move to 10-12 and 4-0 in the MIAA, the Griffons fall to 7-13 and 2-2. Missouri Western waits until this weekend to begin the Fairfield Inn and Suites Classic in St. Joseph. They begin the tournament with a doubleheader on Friday against Bemidji State and Winona State at 12 and 4 p.m.