Grizzly Softball picks up double-header wins over East Central

A strong effort, both offensively and defensively, gave the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzlies doubleheader sweep Saturday against East Central College at the West Plains Sports Complex off Howell Avenue.

The Grizzlies shut out the Falcons 8-0 in the first game and sailed past their opponent from Union 5-2 in the nightcap.

"I was very pleased with how well our team played Saturday," Grizzly Softball Head Coach Don Long said. "We were focused, hit the ball well and played solid defense. We had a great amount of support in the stands, and that made all the difference to our team. The support and encouragement we have received from our community has been fantastic!"

Freshman pitcher Anabelle Hitt's threw the first-game shutout. The Lynchburg product went all five innings allowing zero runs on two hits while striking out eight batters and walking none.

MSU-WP got the ball rolling offensively in the first inning when freshman outfielder Madalyn Ivy, Mansfield, singled on a 0-1 count to score one run.

The Grizzlies tallied three runs in the second inning. The rally was led with singles by Ivy and freshman outfielder Lexy Bridges of Diamond, and a double by freshman infielder Molly Poole from Monett.

MSU-WP scattered 10 hits in the game. Poole, Ivy and Bridges each racked up multiple hits, with Poole going three-for-three at the plate.

East Central's Taylor Hanger took the loss from the mound. She allowed 10 hits and 8 runs while striking out five batters in four innings of work.

Mya Hillerman hit a double in the second inning as an offensive positive for the Falcons.

The Falcons were sure handed in the field, recording zero errors. Lexi Lewis had the most chances in the field with six.

Competitive game two

In the nightcap, the Falcons struck first when Hillerman singled on a 1-1 count to score one run. The Grizzlies answered in the bottom of the second on a solo homer by Hitt to tie the game.

MSU-WP pulled away for good with two runs in the third inning, one coming off a solo homer by Poole and the other coming off a single by freshman first baseman Maddie Good of Branson on a 0-1 count.

Hitt was the winning pitcher for the Grizzlies. In four innings of work, the southpaw allowed three hits and one run while striking out six and walking none. Ivy started the game for the Grizzlies. The righty surrendered one run on two hits over three innings while walking none.

Kylie McDaniel took the loss for the Falcons. She allowed four hits and two runs over three innings, striking out one and walking none. Ryan Stutzman started the game for East Central. She allowed seven hits and three runs over three innings, striking out three and walking none.

MSU-WP racked up three home runs on the day. Freshman infielder Mackenzie Massey of Grandby hit a dinger in the fourth inning, Hitt went yard in the second and Poole went for the long ball in the third.

The Grizzlies saw the ball well in the game, racking up 11 hits. Hitt and Ivy managed multiple hits in the game, with Hitt leading the way going three-for-three at the plate.

Lewis went two-for-three at the plate to lead East Central.

Regular season ends Tuesday

The regular season for the Grizzlies' inaugural year will end Tuesday when they host St. Louis Community College in a make-up double header at the West Plains Sports Complex. Game times are 2 and 4 p.m.

Postseason action begins Friday, May 5, when the Grizzlies face Mineral Area College in the Region 16 Championship Tournament at St. Louis Community College.

For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit the team's Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB, or MSUWPGrizzlies.com.