Springfield, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Lions softball squad (13-11) picked up a 2-0 win over Fort Hays State and fell in their second 2-1 to No. 22-ranked Missouri Western.
Game One
Sophomore Dawn Grass continued stroking the ball this weekend as her 2-run home run in the fourth inning was the deciding factor in the game. The Lions were held to just four hits in the game. Joining Grass, with those hits, were junior Breanna Volkmann, senior Megan Roark, and junior Lydia Niemegeers.
Junior Nicole Reed (9-3) recorded the win going all seven innings for Southern in the circle. Reed allowed just five hits while striking out nine and walking just one Tiger batter. The shutout was Reed's third on the year.
Game Two
Senior Tiffany Bennett (5-4) suffered the loss to No. 22-ranked Missouri Western allowing two unearned runs in the second inning. Bennett allowed just five Griffon hits while walking and striking out one each.
The Lions lone run was scored in the top of the sixth inning on a fielding error by the Western shortstop.
Southern recorded two hits one each from junior Brianna Fulkerson and senior Lauren Hasty.
The Southern defense stepped up, and stopped two scoring opportunities for the Griffons turning two double plays, one by Grass and the second turned by freshman Brooklyn Farrell and senior Megan Roark.
The Lions will start MIAA conference play next weekend as they travel to Jefferson City to take on the Lincoln Blue Tigers in Friday afternoon double header. Southern will then travel to Kirksville, Mo. on Saturday to play a noon double header against Truman State.
