Joplin, Mo. - The 25th ranked Missouri Southern softball program split a double header against Missouri Western on Senior Day at the Pat Lipira Softball Complex, winning game one 7-6 before losing 4-1 in game two.

The Lions (34-9, 19-3 MIAA) were led by Leighton Withers and Kara Amos as both went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs. Amos closed out the game to achieve her second save of the season as Bailey Lacy stuck out three in 2.2 innings and Avery Tallman struck out two in 3.2 innings to pick up her 15th win of the season.

Southern got on the board first thanks to an Amos three-run home run to left center scoring Ashlynn Williams and Peyton Hawkins in the first inning before a three run third inning by the Griffons tied it up 3-3 heading to the fourth inning. The Lions would score four runs in the fifth from a Josie Tofpi sinlgle to right field scoring Adrianna Young and a Withers three-run home run for her 10th home run of the season to make it a 7-3 lead.

Missouri Western (30-17, 10-12 MIAA) made a comeback attempt in the seventh inning scoring three runs and having a bases loaded situation before Amos entered the game in the circle ans got a flyout and pop-up to herself to end the game, 7-6 in favor of the Lions. 

In game two Southern was led by Tofpi going 2-for-3 with an RBI and Adrianna Young scored the run. Natalie Bates struck out four in 4.1 innings in the loss and Amos struck out two in 2.2 innings of a no decision.

The Lions scored the first run of the game in the third inning with a Tofpi single to right center scoring Young to break the deadlock. Missouri Western tied it up before taking the lead 4-1 in the fifth inning and ultimately claim the second game by that scoreline with neither pitcher allowing a runner past first base the rest of the game.

Up next for the Lions will be the last weekend of the regular season on the road against Newman and Central Oklahoma. Southern will play the Jets on Friday, Apr. 28th at the NU Softball Field at 2:00/4:00pm in a double header and against the Bronchos on Saturday, Apr. 29th at Gerry Pinkson Stadium in what will more than likely decide the winner of the MIAA regular season and the top overall seed at the MIAA Tournament.

Single-Season Update
Leighton Withers - Moved into sole possession of second for home runs in a season moving past Dawn Grass (2011), Whitney Clute (2009) and Alese Woolard (2005) with 10 home runs. Withers is now tied with teammate Ashlynn Williams (2022) and Diane Miller (1992) RBI tally's with 43 following today's games. Tied with Teresa Guthrie (1981) and Paula Baker (2001) for ninth in extra base hits with 23.

Yazmin Vargas - Tied with Alana Hester (2015) and Stacy Harter (1993) for the 10th most steals in a season with 28. Read Full Article