Grizzly Softball now 13-5
The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team is now 13-5 on the season after games against Lyon College and State Fair Community College.
The Grizzlies defeated the Lyon Scots 11-1 and 10-2 in a double header Sunday, March 10, in Batesville, Arkansas, but they dropped both games of a double header against Region 16 rival Roadrunners Tuesday, March 12, at Hilburn Sports Complex in West Plains. The scores were 12-8 and 14-3.
Against State Fair
The first game against the Roadrunners proved to be an offensive battle. State Fair got the ball rolling with five runs in the first inning. The Grizzlies answered with three in the bottom of the first and two more in the bottom of the second.
The Grizzlies picked up another run in the bottom of the fourth and two more in the bottom of the sixth. The Roadrunners, however, sealed the win with a run in the top of the fifth, a four-run spurt in the top of the sixth and two runs in the top of the seventh.
In all, State Fair scored 12 runs on 13 hits. Although the Grizzlies put up a good fight with 11 hits, they couldn't overcome the Roadrunners.
Freshmen Lexie Gastineau of Ava, Jordyn Foley of Ozark and Brydon Maddox of Malden each had two hits in the contest, while freshmen Brooklyn Hasler and Karissa Roberts, both of Ozark, each had one hit.
From the mound, Foley gave up 12 runs (9 earned) on 13 hits and two walks while fanning nine batters.
The Grizzlies jumped out to an early 2-1 lead in the second game of the double header against State Fair, but four errors by the Grizzlies later in the game allowed the Roadrunners to take control and secure the win.
Gastineau picked up two hits for the Grizzlies while Foley, Maddox and freshman Alexis Funkhouser, Sullivan, each had one.
In five innings of work, Foley gave up 8 runs (5 earned) on 10 hits while striking out five batters. Hasler pitched the last two innings of the contest. She gave up 6 runs (5 earned) on 5 hits and two walks.
"We struggled in every aspect of the game against State Fair. We just didn't play good softball. We are usually a much better team," Grizzly Softball Head Coach Don Long said. "We need to move past these games and focus on the next double header. We face North Central Missouri College Thursday and Three Rivers College on Saturday."
Against Lyon
The Grizzlies had a much better performance against Lyon Sunday. They used strong pitching and hitting performances to dominate the Scots in both games.
Foley had an impressive performance in the first game, only allowing 2 hits and 1 run while striking out eight batters in five innings.
Williams went 1-4 at the plate but her triple knocked in three of the Grizzlies' 11 runs. Gastineau picked up an RBI off her two singles. She also stole two bases. Hasler and freshman Sidney Myler, Carrollton, each hit a single. Hasler's brought in one run, while Myler's sent two runners home.
In the second game, the Grizzlies capitalized on their scoring opportunities and limited the Scots' offense to secure the win.
Foley allowed only 2 runs on 3 hits with three strikeouts in five innings. Williams hit two singles in the contest while Foley, Maddox and Ivy each hit one.
Next up
The Grizzlies will travel to Trenton, Missouri, today, March 14, to face the North Central College Pirates, then head east Saturday, March 16, to face the Three Rivers Raiders.
They'll return home Sunday, March 17, to host the Lyon Scots in a double header at the Hilburn Sports Complex adjacent to West Plains High School. Game times are 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.