Joplin, Mo. – The Missouri Southern Softball team takes on the Missouri Western State University Griffons in a conference matchup. In game one, the Lions took control early, shutting out the Griffons for a 6-0 victory. In game two, Missouri Western jumped to an early lead, but Southern responded to even the score. However, the Griffons rallied back, securing a 4-1 win to split the doubleheader.
 
Missouri Southern (28-12, 8-4 MIAA) | Missouri Western (21-16, 8-8 MIAA)
 
Game one: Missouri Southern 6 | Missouri Western 0
Southern opened the scoring in the first inning when Kylee Jacks doubled and later scored on a single by Katie Gray, giving the home team a 1–0 lead.
 
In the third inning, the Lions extended their lead with a two-run double by Katie Gray, driving in both Taylor Nuckolls and Kylee Jacks to make it 3–0.
 
Southern continued to add to their advantage in the fifth inning when Taylor Nuckolls scored on a wild pitch, followed by an RBI fielder's choice by Maddie Rolfs, which allowed Bailey Dillon to score. Emma Mason added a sacrifice fly, scoring Kylee Jacks, resulting in a 6–0 lead.
 
The Lions would hold the Griffons scoreless, securing the shutout 6-0 victory.
 
Katie Gray contributed significantly to the batting lineup, driving in three runs with two hits, including a double. Kylee Jacks showcased speed on the bases and power at bat, scoring three runs, hitting a double, and stealing. Taylor Nuckolls added two runs and two hits, also stealing a base. Peyton Hawkins was notable defensively, with five assists from the second base position. The Lions tallied eight hits.
 
Kiki Pickens delivered a standout performance, pitching a complete game shutout over 7.0 innings against the Griffons. Pickens allowed just two hits and struck out seven batters while walking only one, achieving a WHIP of 0.43.

Stats Tracker:

• Hits: Kylee Jacks (2), Katie Gray (2), Taylor Nuckolls (2), Bailey Dillon (1), Easton Walter (1)
• RBIs: Katie Gray (3), Maddie Rolfs (1), Emma Mason (1)
• 2B: Kylee Jacks (1), Katie Gray (1)
• SF: Emma Mason (1)
• SB: Kylee Jacks (1), Taylor Nuckolls (1)
• Pitching:
  • Kiki Pickens (W, 14-4): 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO

Game two: Missouri Southern 1 | Missouri Western 4
The Griffons took an early lead in the first inning, making it 1-0.

Southern responded in the third inning when Peyton Hawkins scored on a bunt single by Kylee Jacks, leveling the score at 1-1.
 
Missouri Western would add three runs in the fourth inning to retake the lead, 4-1, and they would hold it for the win.
 
Kylee Jacks recorded one hit, one RBI, and one stolen base. The Lions tallied four hits.  
 
Avery Tallman started for the Lions and pitched 3.1 innings. NaTalia Sewell entered as a relief pitcher and delivered 3.2 scoreless innings, giving up two hits and one walk while striking out three batters.
 
Stats Tracker:

• Hits: Bailey Dillon (1), Kylee Jacks (1), Katie Gray (1), Emma Mason (1)
• RBIs: Kylee Jacks (1)
• SH: Taylor Nuckolls (1)
• SB: Kylee Jacks (1)
• Pitching:
  • Avery Tallman (L, 11-4): 3.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB
  • NaTalia Sewell: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO

Up next:
The Lions will return on their home field on Tuesday, April 8, when they host the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats. First pitch is set for 1:00 PM at the Pat Lipira Softball Complex.
 
The Missouri Southern softball season is presented by Arvest Bank, a proud supporter of Lion Athletics.
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