Grizzly Softball defeats Mission University in season opening double header
The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team won both games of its season opening double header against Mission University, formerly Baptist Bible College, Saturday, Feb. 3, at Hilburn Sports Complex in West Plains.
The Grizzlies took the first game 8-3 and the second game 15-1. Freshman pitcher Jordyn Foley, Ozark, picked up both wins from the mound.
"In both games, the defense did a great job behind Jordyn," Grizzly Softball Head Coach Don Long said. "I was proud of the way the girls played in their first two games, especially considering how little we have been able to practice outside due to the weather."
First game statistics
The Grizzlies drew first blood with a run in the first inning. They picked up their second run in the third before the Patriots could get on the scoreboard with a run in the top of the fourth.
The Grizzlies scored three more runs in the bottom of the fifth, then the Patriots added two runs to their tally in the top of the sixth. The Grizzlies scored three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to close out the game.
Foley hurled seven complete innings in the first game. She gave up six hits, two earned runs and a walk while fanning 10 batters.
Offensively, the Grizzlies were led by freshman infielder Zoey Williams, West Plains, who hit a home run in the contest. She went 1-3 at the plate and picked up one RBI and stole three bases. She also scored two runs and was walked during one of her at bats.
Sophomore infielder McKenzie Massey, Grandby, went 2-2 at the plate, hitting a single and a double while picking up one RBI. She also was walked twice, scored two runs and stole four bases in the game.
Freshman catcher Brydon Maddox, Malden, hit a single in the game. She went 1-2 at the plate, scored two runs, stole three bases and was walked twice.
Second game statistics
The Grizzlies set the tone early in the second game, scoring 12 runs in the bottom of the first. They added three more in the bottom of the second.
The Patriots' lone run came in the top of the third.
Foley pitched five complete innings, giving up four hits and one walk while striking out nine batters.
Offensively, Williams went 2-3 at the plate with a double and a home run. She also recorded four RBIs and three runs.
Freshman pitcher Brooklyn Hasler, Ozark, went 2-2 at the plate with a single and a double. She brought in four RBIs and scored two runs.
Freshman outfielder Karissa Roberts, Ozark, hit a double, picking up one RBI and scoring one run.
Massey went 1-2 at the plate with a double. She also picked up one RBI and scored one run.
Next up
The Grizzlies hit the road this week for its next series of games. They play double headers at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home Thursday, Feb. 8; University of Arkansas-Rich Mountain on Saturday, Feb. 10; and National Park College, Sunday, Feb. 11.
Thursday's games in Mountain Home are set for 2 and 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday's games are at 1 and 3 p.m.
For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com or check out the team's Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB.