Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern softball program picked up a sweep of Washburn 9-5, 6-3 as Abby Atkin became the 12^th Lion to achieve 200 career strikeouts in game one.
 
Getting the scoring started in the first inning was the Ichabods (23-8, 9-5 MIAA) as they got a home run to straight center in the top of the first inning. The Lions (22-13-1, 13-6-1 MIAA) got on the board in the bottom half of the inning off a Josie Tofpi single to right field that scored Makaila Leonhart.
 
Ashlynn Williams got a double to right field scoring Kristen Wade and a Sidnie Hurst single up the middle later in the second inning scored Williams as the Lions led 3-1 after two innings. Kara Amos picked up an RBI in the third inning hitting a single to score Leighton Withers.
 
The Ichabods would respond with a run in the fourth inning to set the score at 4-2 headed to the bottom of the inning. Tofpi hit a sacrifice fly that scored Yazmin Vargas to keep the Lions scoring in each inning. Williams started the fifth by doubling home Izzy Medrano who pinch hit earlier in the inning, and then Vargas singled home Williams later in the inning.

Washburn got a run in the sixth that the Lions responded with one of their own as an Amos single up the middle-scored Withers and Tofpi. Washburn scored a run in the seventh inning but ultimately fell 9-5 in game one. Abby Atkin picked up her ninth win of the season while joining the 200-career strikeout club becoming the 12^th Lion to achieve the feat. Amos finished 3-of-4 with three RBIs, Tofpi and Williams each had two RBIs each.
 
Game two saw the Lions get on board first in the second inning off an Adrianna Young single up the middle that scored Kristen Wade. Washburn took the lead in the third inning scoring two before the Lions responded in the fourth inning. Sidnie Hurst got the scoring started with a bases clearing triple scoring Amos, Williams and Withers. Vargas then singled home Hurst to end the fourth inning with the Lions leading 5-2. 

Washburn responded with a run in the fifth to keep it tight at 5-3, but a Leonhart sacrifice fly scored Wade as the Lions swept the Ichabods winning 6-3.  Bailey Lacy got the start and picked up her eighth win of the season while striking out four Ichabods. Amos notched her first career save pitching the final three innings striking out two and limiting Washburn to one hit. Vargas and Young finished 2-of-3 with both picking up an RBI and getting at least one stolen base. Hurst led the team with three RBIs and had her first triple of the season. 
 
Vargas is now tied for ninth in single season steals (28-30) with Stacy Harter (1993) and Alana Hester (2015). 
 
Next up for the Lions is Emporia State Monday April 26^th with first pitch from the Pat Lipira Softball Complex is set for 2 pm.