Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Bolivar, Mo. - The Southwest Baptist University softball team picked up a huge split against #9 Emporia State on Monday afternoon, taking game two 4-3 after falling in game one 3-0. After the day, the Bearcats now stand at 14-21 (6-12 MIAA) on the season.

In game two the Bearcats were the first to strike in the first inning. Rachel Ray led the inning off with a single through the left side, was sacrificed over to second, and then came home on an rbi single from Caitlyn Cooner to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead. SBU starting pitcher Kyra Parker was outstanding in the circle for the Bearcats, holding the nationally ranked Hornets scoreless until the sixth inning. ESU used three SBU errors to score three runs over the next two inning as SBU entered the bottom of the seventh trailing 3-1. With one out in the inning Raigan Ratliff singled up the middle, followed by a bunt single from Ray and a walk from Stormy Christerson to load the bases. Brittanie Halquist and Cooner then drew back-to-back walks to tie the game up at 3-3. One out later, Catlin Evans hit a walk-off single to center field to give SBU a 4-3 lead. In the circle Kyra Parker threw a complete game, allowing no earned runs off of five hits.

In game one, the Bearcats were unable to get the bats going as they fell 3-0 despite a strong pitching effort from Kacey Ayers who threw a complete game, allowing only two earned runs.

The Bearcats will return to action on Wednesday, April 8 when they host William Jewell in a non-conference double-header. Opening pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. from the SBU Softball Field in Bolivar.