Grizzly Softball starts region play with 2 wins

The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team opened Region 16 play Tuesday with two wins over St. Charles Community College.

The Grizzlies, now 11-3, defeated the Cougars 3-2 in the opening game of the double-header at Hilburn Sports Complex in West Plains, then took a 6-4 decision in the nightcap.

"We played excellent defense in both games, and I really liked the way the girls battled," Grizzly Softball Head Coach Don Long said. "This is how we wanted to start region play. Now, we need to continue to focus on one game at a time."

First game results

The Grizzlies drew first blood in the opening game, scoring two runs in the third inning then added another run in the fifth. The Cougars tried to battle back, scoring one run in the sixth, but they couldn't make up the difference.

Freshman second baseman Zoey Williams, West Plains, led the Grizzlies' offensive charge. She hit a double and a home run in three at bats and picked up three RBIs.

Four Grizzlies hit singles during the game. They include freshman pitcher Jordyn Foley, Ozark; freshman left fielder Brooklyn Hasler, Ozark; freshman designated player Kennedy Cogdill, East Prairie; and freshman catcher Brydon Maddox, Malden.

Foley pitched all seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts.

Second game results

MSU-WP turned in a strong offensive performance in the second game, recording nine hits in the outing. Freshman center fielder Lexie Gastineau, Ava, and freshman first baseman Alexis Funkhouser, Sullivan, each hit two singles. Funkhouser picked up three RBIs off her hits.

Williams and Maddox each hit doubles. Williams picked up two RBIs on her hit and she stole two bases. Sophomore shortstop Kenzie Massey, Grandby, and Foley each had a single, and Massey had two stolen bases.

Foley earned the win from the mound. She allowed four runs on seven hits with six strikeouts and three walks in seven innings of work.

Next up

The Grizzlies will host region rival State Fair Community College Saturday, March 9, double header. Game times are 2 and 4 p.m. at the Hilburn Sports Complex adjacent to West Plains High School.

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