Bolivar, Mo. – The SBU Softball team hosted Wayne State in their home opener, dropping both games of the doubleheader. The team falls to 1-10 (0-0 GLVC).
Game One
It was the Bearcats who struck first, putting up one run in the 1st. It started with a Sam Moran walk, who moved to second on a wild pitch. Aubry Hernandez then also picked up a walk, and Moran moved to third on another wild pitch. A third walk by Nya Morgan loaded the bases. It was Janessa Rivera coming up clutch, driving a single through the left side to score Moran. Wayne State responded in the 3rd inning, scoring two runs to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Wildcats.
SBU complete successful small ball in the 4th inning. Nya Morgan began the inning with a walk, then Taryn Elia pinch ran for her. Janessa River moved her over to second on a sac bunt, and Morgan McMullin brought her in with a single to left. The inning ended with the score knotted at 2. The Wildcats scored twice more in the 5th inning and the remainder of their runs in the 6th, ending in a 12-2 loss.
Nya Morgan reached base three times in the game, going 0-0 with 3 walks.
Game Two
The Wildcats jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the first inning, and put up their fourth run in the second inning. SBU had runners on second and third in the bottom of the 2nd, but couldn't cash in on the opportunity. Megan Schellert doubled with one out in the 3rd, later advancing to third on a passed ball, but was stranded there. Renae Gillmore had a similar 5th inning, doubling with one out and advancing to third on a passed ball, but again the Bearcats couldn't score. The defenses held strong, ending the game with a 4-0 WSC score.
Renae Gillmore had two hits in the loss. Maddie Massanelli pitched the full game, surrendering the runs early but locking in to finish the game strong.
The Bearcats will hit the road for their make-up series against Northwestern Oklahoma State next Tuesday, February 25 at 2 PM / 4 PM. SBU won't return home until March 11.
