MSSU softball drops two

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

The Missouri Southern Lions (1-3) dropped their final two game at the Ronnie Hawkins Invitational Sunday afternoon, 8-2 to Mississippi College and 14-0 in five innings to co-host Henderson State.

Game One

The Lions struck first in the bottom half of the first inning as Brooke Swadley reached on an error, stole second base and advanced to third on an errant throw from the catcher. Swadley then scored on a sacrifice fly byMyranda Stewart a few pitches later.

Mississippi College would answer in the top of the fifth as they scored on a RBI double to left center following a lead off single and sacrifice bunt. The Choctaws would add seven runs in the sixth inning on three hits and three Lions' errors to take an 8-1 lead.

Sarah Williams would start the home half of the sixth with a solo shot to left center but Mississippi College would buckle down the defense and retire the next three Lions to end the threat.

The Choctaws would threaten in the top of the seventh as they put together back-to-back two out singles beforeShelby Mitchell would get the Mississippi College batter to fly out to left field.

The Lions would threaten in the bottom of the seventh as Kathryn Goins-Osburn would single with one out followed by a walk from Michala Wood. A ground out to third by Jessica Killer would advance both runners beforeDru Coleman would walk to load the bases. Williams popped out to end the threat and the game.

Kali' Hodson (0-1) got the start inside the circle for the Lions and pitched five innings allowing three runs, two earned, on four hits with two strikeouts and suffered the loss. Williams came in during the sixth and allowed five runs, three earned, on one hit in five batters faced. Mitchell finished the sixth and pitched two innings giving up no runs on two hits and striking out one.

Game Two

The final game in the Ronnie Hawkins Invitational saw the Lions record just two hits against co-host Henderson State while getting on base just four times. Goins-Osburn and Williams both singled to center field while Williams and Stewart each drew a walk as well.

The Reddies scored three runs in both the first and second innings before plating eight, two earned, in the third for the 14-0 win.

Ashley Lutz (1-2) got the start in the circle for Southern and took the loss as she allowed six runs, three earned, on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts in two innings of work. Mitchell came in relief for one third of an inning allowing four runs, two earned, on four hits. Hodson closed out the game for the Lions pitching 1 2/3 inning giving up four runs, all unearned, on four hits with one strike out.

Up Next

The Lions will be back in action next weekend as they head to Bentonville, Arkansas to take part in the UAM 8 State Classic hosted by Arkansas-Monticello.