ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Missouri Western softball (24-19, 11-11 MIAA) earned a doubleheader sweep over Emporia State Saturday, winning the first game 4-2 and the second 2-1 at the MWSU Spring Sports Complex.

It marks the third MIAA doubleheader sweep by the Griffons this season.

Missouri Western stays home on Wednesday for non-conference action against Missouri S&T. First pitch in those games is set for 2 and 4 p.m.

The games will be broadcast on the Griffon Sports Network (Varsity Network App, GoGriffons.com/listen) and available to stream on the MIAA Network.

Game 1: Missouri Western 4 Emporia State 2
Emporia State grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, but the Griffons scored one in the second, third, fifth and sixth innings to go in front.

Taylor Jones scored two runs. Myah Dwyer singled, scored and stole a career-best three bases – all in the second inning. The Griffons stole six bases in all. Ashlyn Finarty hit an RBI double.

Defensively, Sydney Rader (16-9) held ESU to just four hits and struck out seven in a complete game.

Game 2: Missouri Western 2 Emporia State 1
With the game tied 1-1, Kennedy Preston came through with a two-out solo shot home run to left field to put the Griffs ahead for good.

It was Preston's first homer of the season and the ninth of her Griffon career. Kalee Higdon scored the first run in the first inning off of an RBI single by Sydney Young.

After ESU knotted the game in the second, the Hornets were held off the board the rest of the way, thanks to the efforts of Harley Pruetting and a Griffon field that played error free.

Pruetting (5-5) struck out batters six in seven innings, allowing just four hits, two walks and one earned run.