EMPORIA, Kan. – Griffon Softball (32-18,11-13 MIAA) saw its 2026 season come to an end on Wednesday afternoon with a 4-2 loss to Washburn (36-18,12-12 MIAA) in the opening round of the MIAA Softball Tournament at Trusler Sports Complex.
The Griffons collected four hits in the contest and answered twice after falling behind early. Washburn opened the scoring in the first inning on an RBI single from Aspen Burgardt before MoWest tied the game in the third inning when Kalee Higdon scored on a Washburn fielding error.
The Ichabods reclaimed the lead later in the inning on a sacrifice fly, but the Griffons responded again in the fourth. Lauren Newlin drove in Ayva McComas on a fielder's choice to even the score at 2-2.
Washburn took the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI double from Maddie McGee before adding an insurance run later in the inning to make it 4-2.
Harley Pruetting suffered the loss after pitching four innings with three strikeouts. Torie Sandoval tossed two scoreless innings in relief, allowing no hits and striking out two.
