The Missouri Western softball team split a home doubleheader against the Central Missouri Jennies, winning the first game 9-6 and falling in the second game 9-5.
Mandi Nocita played well in both games as she hit two home runs in the doubleheader. She also drove in three runs in the first game. Then she added a another r.b.i. in the second game.
In the first game the Griffons got of to a fast start as Kori Bowser blasted a home run which led to a big inning for the Griffons. They never looked back in the first contest.
The Jennies tried to mount a comeback, but it wasn’t enough as the Griffons held on for the victory. The first game wasn’t all good for the Griffons, as they allowed four home runs to the Jennies. Jonnelle Berger also received her first save of the season in the contest.
The second game also started with a bang for the Griffons, as Nocita started the game with a lead off home run. The Griffons jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. The game stayed close until the top of the sixth, when the Jennies scored six runs. The Griffons could not mount a come back in the game.
The Griffons record now stands at 16-13 (2-2) in the MIAA. The Griffons are currently sitting at fourth in the conference, but the season has just began.
The Griffons offense has fared well thus far this year. The leaders so far this season have been Shannon Piovar, who leads the Griffons in batting average at .365. Katie Bruce who leads the team in runs batted in with 22 and also in home runs with five.
The Griffons have also done well in pitching so far this season. The leader of the staff has been Allison Jones who leads the team in earned run average at 2.32 and also in wins with eight. Berger has the lone save for the Griffons this season.
The Griffons will be back on the road as they will face conference opponent Emporia State on April 2. Then they will face Nebraska-Omaha on April 4. Before wrapping up the road trip with conference opponent Pittsburg State on April 6.
The Griffons were 1-2 in the UNO Softball Classic at print time.