JOPLIN, Mo. — Persistent pitching by McKendree (6-8) helped the Bearcats pull off a doubleheader sweep of Griffon Softball (6-10) on Saturday, ending Missouri Western's time at the Lion Classic.

Game 1

McKendree took the first matchup 3-1 on the back of a complete game by pitcher Ellie Quaethem. She struck out seven Griffons and only allowed four hits — one of those a solo shot by Chloe Armstrong in the top of the seventh. Sydney Rader pitched five innings and only gave up four hits as well, striking out six while giving up three runs.

Each run for the Bearcats came one at a time in the first, fifth and sixth inning. Two of those were solo homers by Sidney Larsen and Olivia Stansbury respectively. Armstrong tallied half of MWSU's hits, while Kalyn Damgaard and Taylor Hoelscher both went 1-for-3.

Game 2

The latter half of today's matchup was the complete opposite of its predecessor. McKendree won 11-9 with seven errors combined between both teams. The Bearcats scored three unearned runs off of Natalie Kissinger, including two in the first to take an early 3-0 lead.

The Griffons tied it up with Bubba Hoelscher reaching on an error in right, scoring Taylor Hoelscher and Rian Gere. McKendree eventually went back up 6-3 and held a lead for the rest of the game thanks to another complete game on the mound — this time by Sydney Bires. Mackenzie DeVine made things interesting in the seventh with a two-RBI single that scored both Hoelschers and made it 11-9, but Liz Vaupel lined out to the pitcher to end the game.

Next Up

Missouri Western is scheduled to begin MIAA play with Nebraska-Kearney (6-12) in a doubleheader on Friday at 2 and 4 p.m back in St. Joseph, Missouri. The Griffons also welcome Fort Hays State (10-12) on Saturday in a doubleheader at 1 and 3 p.m.