Lions Softball Sweeps Truman, Moves to 4-0 in MIAA Play - KOAM TV 7

Lions Softball Sweeps Truman, Moves to 4-0 in MIAA Play

JOPLIN – The Missouri Southern Lions softball team (12-17, 4-0 MIAA) swept visiting Truman State Monday afternoon 4-3 and 7-2 to move to 4-0 in league play for the first time since 2001.

Game One

The Lions drew first blood in the opening game scoring a run in the bottom of the second to take a 1-0 lead on a single to right by sophomore Brooklyn Farrell that scored Pypes.  Following Truman's two runs in the top of the third Southern tied the game in the bottom half after a leadoff triple by senior Brianna Fulkerson, who then scored on a sacrifice fly by fellow senior Lydia Niemegeers.

Southern would then add two insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth as sophomore Shelby Romines hit in Fulkerson and senior Alysha Poteat singled to left to score senior Brooke Hurley.

Sophomore Haley Pypes (7-2) got the start in the circle and went the distance for the Lions giving up three runs, all earned, on four hits while striking out five Truman hitters.

Game Two

The Lions took over in the first inning and never looked back as they plated three runs on four hits in the opening frame.  Senior Breanna Volkmann got the home half started off with a bunt single to the pitcher and then stole second.  Volkmann advanced to third on a ground out by Pypes and then scored on a double to right center by Hurley.  Hurley would then score on the next play as sophomore Shelby Romines connected for a RBI single to right.  Romines would score on a triple by Poteat to round out the Lions scoring in the first inning.

Southern would add another run in the third on a single by freshman Dru Coleman that scored Romines.  The Lions would then load the bases in the fifth inning with one out and come away with another three runs to give the Lions seven in game two.

Junior Kayce Moore (2-6) got the win for Southern going the distance and allowing two runs, both earned, on eight hits.

On the Day

The Lions went 22-for-57 at the plate for a .386 team average.  Hurley led the way offensively going 5-for-7 at the dish (.714) while Farrell finished 3-for-5 (.600) at the plate with three RBIs.   Fulkerson led the way on the base paths going 2-for-2 in stolen bases as the Lions were a perfect 5-for-5 on the day.

Next Up

The Lions will host Sonic Trophy Series rival Pittsburg State Wednesday evening at Lea Kungle Field at the Robert W. Plaster Sports Complex.  First pitch is scheduled for 5pm.