Emporia, Kan. - The Southwest Baptist University softball team picked up a huge split at #5 Emporia State on Saturday afternoon, taking down the Lady Hornets 3-0 in game two after falling 4-1 in game one. The victory over Emporia State marks the first time since 2003 that SBU has defeated the Lady Hornets as the Bearcats now move to 15-27 (7-15 MIAA) on the season.

Game two proved to be a strong pitchers dual between ESU and SBU, as two extra frames were needed to decide the outcome. SBU starter Kacey Ayers threw an outstanding game, arguably the best of her young career, throwing a complete game shutout while allowing only 3 hits over the 9.0 scoreless innings. After eight innings of scoreless play, the Bearcats broke the tie in the top of the ninth inning. With runners on second and third Tyler Hernandez singled through the left side to put the Bearcats up 1-0. Lyndie Routh then singled to center field to plate to more as SBU took a 3-0 lead. Ayers shut down the Lady Hornets 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth to secure the victory for SBU.

In game one Emporia State jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first two innings of play. With runners on second and third with no outs in the fourth the Bearcats got on the scoreboard with a sacrifice fly from Dana Graves to cut the ESU lead to 2-1. However SBU wasn't able to get back in the scoreboard in game one as they would eventually fall 4-1.

SBU will return to action on Friday, April 25 when they host Pittsburg State in a double-header. Opening pitch of game one is set for 2:00 p.m. from the SBU Softball Field in Bolivar.