JOPLIN, Mo. — Slowly but surely, Griffon Softball is learning from each loss, salvaging their second-straight doubleheader to cap day one at the Lion Classic.

Game 1

The first game was gridlocked until the top of fourth when Chloe Armstrong cranked a solo home run to left field to put the Griffons on top and on the board. After a Bubba Hoelscher walk, Brea Blanton blasted a double back to left field to put MWSU up 2-0. Sydni Hawkins scored on an Emma Hoffart sacrifice fly in the fifth to put the Griffons up 3-0, but that lead didn't last.

The Hawks answered in the bottom of the fifth with a three-RBI double by Maya Gallagher. She later scored on a base knock by Calli Wibbenmeyer, who went 2-for-3 in the first game. Hoffart played the hero with a game-tying RBI single to score Blanton in the seventh, but the Hawks walked it off on another sacrifice fly.

Game 2

This time, Hoffart's heroics paid off. With her team hanging on to a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the sixth, a three-run moonshot by the Griffon senior gave MWSU all the cushion they needed. Natalie Kissinger retired the Hawks in the seventh to salvage a split to begin the Lion Classic. 

Pitcher Sydney Rader recorded the win with four strikeouts in 4 ⅓ innings thrown. Hoffart sent home five RBI in game two while Rachel Stewart went 2-for-4 with one run batted in as well.

Next Up

Day two of the Lion Classic has MWSU (5-9) taking on McKendree (4-6) in another doubleheader on Saturday with start times at 9 and 11 a.m. in Joplin.