WICHITA- Softball hosted Missouri Southern in their first MIAA doubleheader of the season. In the first game, the Lions won 5-0. In game two, MSSU took the game 9-1.

How it Happened:

Game 1:
Lydia Weldon got her first career start in the first MIAA game of the season for the Jets. The first game started with the Lions earning a walk and then scoring that runner off of a hit to right field. Newman was unable to answer the Lions opening run in the bottom of the first inning. Gianna Navarro earned a walk in her first at bat, but it wasn't enough to tie the game. In the top of the second, a walk and two stolen bases put a Lion runner on third who then scored off of a ground out to first, setting the 2-0 score. After that, the Jets were unable to get on base in the bottom of the second. MSSU scored their third run in as many innings off of an error by the Jets that enlarged the difference to three runs. In the bottom of the third, the Jets hoped to score their first run after Lauren McNaught's single to first base and Gianna Navarro's double to shortstop, but the Lions were able to record the third out before Newman could score. 

Katelyn Westover entered the game on the mound for Newman in the top of the fourth. A ground out and an error, by Newman, helped the Lions score two more runs. Then, the Jets grounded out three consecutive times to end the fourth. In the fifth, the only remarkable thing was a single hit by the Lions and Hayley Bonython entering the game as a catcher. The sixth and seventh inning went by fast with both teams retiring the first three batters they faced. The game ended 5-0.

Game 2:
The Lions started the second game with a single hit but a good Jet defense denied them from scoring. In the bottom of the first, none of the three Jet batters were able to get on base. MSSU scored four runs off of three hits in the top of the second to take a big and early lead. Despite giving up the runs, Maddie Rae Romo recorded a strikeout. The Jets were unable to answer in the bottom half of the inning. Then, Newman's defense recorded three consecutive fly outs to stop the Lions' momentum. In the bottom of the third, Malie Noda recorded a single to left field but the Jets were not able to score her. 

In the fourth and with Paola Zamacona pitching for the Jets, a single, a double and a homer scored four more Lion runners, setting the score at 8-0. With a long way to go to come back in the game, Newman couldn't get their offense going in the bottom half of the inning. In the fifth, the Jets held the Lions off to only one hit and didn't allow any runs. A Hayley Bonython single and an error by MSSU's shortstop scored Bonython herself for Newman's first run of the day. That run prevented the game from ending early. The sixth inning only saw a hit by the Lions in the top half of the inning and three ground outs from Newman in the bottom half. In the final inning, MSSU scored another run off of a hit and an error. Bonython got herself another single in the bottom of the seventh before the Lions recorded the last out of the game. The second game ended 9-1. 

Player Notes:

Game 1:
-Navarro hit a double.
-McNaught had a single.

Game 2:
-Hayley Bonython went 2-3 and scored the Jets sole run.

Up Next: 
The Jets will host Pittsburg State tomorrow for another conference matchup starting at 12:00 pm.