ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Missouri Western softball (31-20, 12-12 MIAA) split a doubleheader with Northwest Missouri State Saturday, winning the first game 4-2 and losing the second 4-0 at the MWSU Spring Sports Complex.
The Griffons also honored seniors
Sydney Rader,
Mackenzie DeVine,
Bubba Hoelscher,
Kennedy Preston,
Kate Voisin and
Taylor Jones at the conclusion of the games.
The Griffons end the regular season and have secured a spot into the MIAA softball tournament, which will take place April 30 – May 3 in Hays, Kansas. The tournament field will be announced on Saturday evening.
Game 1: Missouri Western 4 Northwest Missouri State 2
Sydney Rader's (20-9) last career start in a home game ended fittingly with a complete game victory, and she struck out four over seven innings.
After Western got down 2-0 in the top of the third, the Griffons answered with three runs in the bottom of the third, thanks to RBIs by
Sienna Reed,
Taylor Jones and
Mackenzie DeVine.
Jones then walked in a run in the fourth. She finished with two RBIs.
Ashlyn Finarty doubled and scored.
Game 3: Northwest Missouri State 4 Missouri Western 0
The Bearcats ended what was a 10-game winning streak for the Griffons behind a complete game shutout from starting pitcher Jadyn Streigle, who limited the Griffons to three hits and struck out five batters.
Harley Pruetting (8-6) made the start and took the loss in 4.2 innings. She struck out five and was charged with two earned runs.
Ashlyn Finarty tossed the last 2.1 innings. She struck out one and allowed an earned run as well.