Topeka, Kan. - The 25th ranked Missouri Southern softball program finished the 2023 MIAA Softball Tournament as runners-up after falling 11-4 against No. 4 and first-seed Central Oklahoma on Sunday, May 7th at the Envista Softball Complex Field One.
The Lions (40-13) were led by
Kara Amos going 2-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs and struck out one while pitching in the circle.
Katie Gray finished 2-for-3 with two home runs and two RBIs and
Yazmin Vargas picked up two hits.
After a scoreless first inning the Lions got on the board first with a Gray home run to center field in the second inning to take the lead before Central Oklahoma (47-6) scored four runs in the bottom half of the inning. In the third Southern scored again with Amos hitting a sacrifice fly to score
Josie Tofpi and in the fourth a solo home run down the right field line by Gray made it a 4-3 deficit.Â
The Lions would get on the board again in the fifth inning to mark the fourth straight inning with a run scored as Amos hit a home run to right center to make it a 6-4 game. UCO would claim the 11-4 decision after runs in the fifth and sixth innings.
Following the conclusion of the game the Lions had four members of the team named All-Tournament in pitcher
Avery Tallman, infielder
Katie Gray, outfielder
Yazmin Vargas and designated player
Kara Amos. For the tournament Tallman went 4-1 with a 2.17 ERA and 0.99 WHIP from six appearances, three starts while striking out 12 and limiting opposing batters to a .200 average. Gray had a .333 average with five runs scored, five hits, one doubles, three home runs, five RBIs for 15 total bases to slug 1.000 and recorded 41 putouts at first base for a 1.000 fielding percentage. Vargas had a .444 average with two runs scored, eight hits, one home run, three RBIs for 11 total bases to slug .611 while drawing two walks for a .500 on-base percentage and stole six bases. Amos had a .467 average with five runs scored, seven hits, three home runs, six RBIs for 16 total bases to slug 1.067 while drawing two walks for a .500 on-base percentage and pitched 3.1 innings in the circle as well.
Southern is now awaiting to see where they will be selected in the NCAA Selection Show at 9:00 a.m. CST with the Regional Tournament beginning on Thursday, May 11th and ends on Saturday, May 13th.Â
Single-Season Update
Leighton Wither - Set a program record for walks in a season with her 32nd passing Angie Turner (2010).
Career Update
Josie Tofpi - Moved past Ginger Daniel (1993-96) for the third most at-bats in a career with 636. Recorded her 454th career assist to pass Erin (Turner)Â Doll (1999-02) for fourth in career ranks.
