Grizzly Softball posts 2-1-1 record this past weekend
The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team posted a 2-1-1 record this past weekend.
On Saturday in Springfield, the Grizzlies dropped a 5-1 decision to Evangel University in the early game before tieing the Valor 7-7 in the nightcap.
Sunday, MSU-WP took both games against William Woods University in Fulton, downing the Owls 3-0 in the early game and 4-0 in the nightcap.
The Grizzlies' fall record now stands at 6-1-1.
Saturday's games
In the early game, Grizzly Softball Head Coach Don Long said the team "couldn't get a big hit" and left eight runners in scoring position during the seven-inning contest.
Sophomore infielder Kenzie Massey, Grandby, went 1-3 at the plate with a single that earned her an RBI. She also stole three bases. Freshman outfielder Lexie Gastineau, Ava, went 1-4 at the plate with one run scored. She also stole two bases. Freshman infielder Alexis Funkhouser, Sullivan, went 1-2 at the plate.
Jordyn Foley, Ozark, took the loss for the Grizzlies on the mound. In six innings of work, she allowed three earned runs off seven hits while striking out five batters.
In the late game, the Grizzlies came back from a 5-2 early deficit to force the 7-7 finish. "I was proud of the ladies' effort and grit to battle back and tie the game," Long said.
Kennedy Cogdill, East Prairie, went 1-2 at the plate with a double and two RBIs. Zoe Williams, West Plains, went 1-3 with a single, two RBIs and four stolen bases. Brooklyn Hasler, Ozark, got a single in her only at bat and picked up one RBI as a result. Kaydyn Bond, Doniphan, went 1-2 at the plate with a single, two runs scored and one stolen base.
Sophomore pitcher Anabelle Hitt started the game on the mound. In two-and-a-third innings, she allowed five runs on eight hits and struck out four batters.
Cogdill finished the game allowing two runs on four hits with two strikeouts.
Sunday's games
In Sunday's first game, Massey led the Grizzlies' offensive charge, going 2-3 at the plate with a single and a triple. She picked up an RBI and stole two bases. Keeley Akers, Ava, went 1-2 at the plate with a single, an RBI and a stolen base.
Foley pitched a shutout to earn the win for the Grizzlies from the mound. She only allowed four hits while striking out eight batters.
In the nightcap, the Grizzlies got a squeeze bunt from Madalyn Ivy of Mansfield and singles from Sydney Myler of Carrollton, Chloe Kelts of Mtn. View and Bond. Ivy and Myler each earned an RBI, while Kelts and Bond each had a run scored and one stolen base.
Hitt earned the shutout win from the mound. She allowed three hits in seven innings and struck out nine batters.
"I thought our pitchers in both games did a fantastic job," Long said. "The defense worked hard behind them, and we were scrappy enough to get some runs on the board."
Next up
The Grizzlies will travel to Union Friday to face East Central College in games at 2 and 4 p.m. before returning home to face the Arkansas Chaos club team for two games Sunday. First pitches will be at noon and 2 p.m.
For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com or check out the team's Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB.