ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Griffon Softball (20-5, 1-1 MIAA) split its MIAA-opening doubleheader with Fort Hays State (12-11, 2-2 MIAA) on Saturday at Griffon Softball Field.

Fort Hays State took game one 6-5 before the Griffons responded with a 3-1 victory in game two to earn the split.

In the opener, Fort Hays State struck first with a run in the second inning to take a 1-0 lead. MoWest answered in the third inning with two runs to move ahead 2-1.

The Griffons extended their advantage in the fifth inning, adding three runs to take a 5-1 lead. The Tigers rallied in the sixth inning, scoring five runs to reclaim the lead at 6-5. MoWest finished with 11 hits but could not push across the tying run late.

MoWest bounced back in game two behind a strong pitching performance from Torie Sandoval.

MoWest struck first in the third inning when Ayva McComas launched a two-run home run to left center, scoring Kalee Higdon and giving the Griffons a 2-0 lead.

Fort Hays State answered in the fifth inning as Lilly Mohr hit a solo home run to left center to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The Griffons responded in the bottom half of the inning. Kenedee Giddens came around to score after Sydney Young reached first on a Fort Hays State throwing error, extending the MoWest lead to 3-1. The run was unearned.

What's Next

Griffon Softball heads to Oklahoma next weekend for four MIAA games. MoWest opens the trip with a doubleheader at Northeastern State on Friday, March 20 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with first pitch set for 3 p.m. and game two scheduled for 5 p.m.