Grizzly Softball picks up 2 wins against Pioneers Tues.
The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Softball team took both games of a double header against North Arkansas College, Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Hilburn Sports Complex in West Plains.
The Grizzlies won the first game 8-4 and the second game 8-0. They are 6-0 on the season.
"We struggled the first game defensively with four errors, but I was proud of how the girls responded in the second game and cleaned up the defense," Grizzly Softball Head Coach Don Long said.
First game results
The North Arkansas Pioneers got off to a strong start, scoring 2 runs in the first inning, but Grizzlies quickly responded with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning.
The game remained close until the fourth inning when the Grizzlies scored 3 runs, taking the lead. They added to their lead with runs in the fifth and sixth innings, securing the win.
Freshman infielder Zoey Williams, West Plains, had a standout performance, driving in 3 runs with a triple. She also had one stolen base.
Freshman pitcher Jordyn Foley, Ozark, also had a strong game from the mound, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits while striking out 5 batters over 7 innings.
Others hitting for the Grizzlies were sophomore shortstop Kenzie Massey, Grandby, who hit 2 singles and drove in 1 run. She also had 2 stolen bases. Freshman right fielder Karissa Roberts, Ozark, hit a single and stole one base.
Despite the loss, North Arkansas College had some bright spots, with catcher Riley Lowery driving in 2 runs and Cadence Graham and second baseman Makenzie Hamilton each contributing 2 hits.
Second game results
The Grizzlies' strong hitting and pitching performance secured the day's second win.
Foley threw a shutout game, allowing only 3 hits and striking out 6 batters in 5 innings. The Grizzlies's offense was led by freshman catcher Brydon Maddox, Malden, who hit a home run and had 2 RBIs in the game.
Freshman center fielder Lexie Gastineau, Ava, hit a single and stole three bases, while freshman infielder Sidney Myler, Carrollton, knocked in run with her double. Freshman pitcher Brook Hasler, Ozark, and sophomore outfielder Madalyn Ivy, Mansfield, each hit a double, and freshman infielder Alexis Funkhouser, Sullivan hit a single.
The Pioneers struggled on both offense and defense. Their starting pitcher, Jorden Hodges, gave up 6 runs in 3 innings, while their hitters only managed to get 3 hits throughout the game.
Next up
The Grizzlies will travel south this weekend to face Arkansas State University-Newport in a double header. Game times are 2 and 4 p.m.
For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit MSUWPGrizzlies.com or check out the team's Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB.