The Hornet softball team played Pittsburg State University last Friday on the Gorilla’s home field, going 1-1 on the double header. 

“The biggest highlight (this weekend) was our offense,” said Danielle Sprinkle, senior first baseman. “We had been struggling to put runs on the board in the past few games, but we came out and did a great job stringing hits together and scoring a lot of runs.” 

The first game of the double header got off to a quick roll for the Hornets and continued throughout the game. 

The Hornets scored first in the top of the second inning to put themselves on the board, 2-0.  

In the third inning they scored three runs, raising the score to 5-0. The Gorillas stayed in the hole throughout the game as the Hornets scored three more points in the fifth inning to end the game in a Hornet victory, 8-0.

The second game was also played against Pittsburgh State University. The Hornets took the early lead, scoring the first three runs of the game to the Gorillas two runs at the bottom of the first inning, bringing the score to 3-2 Hornets.  

Both teams were scoreless in the second and third innings, and both scored again in the fourth, bringing it to a five run tie. 

In the fifth and sixth innings the Gorillas took stride, scoring six points in two innings, pulling away from Emporia State.  

The Hornets put forth a strong effort to come back in the seventh inning in which they scored four runs, however, it was not enough to pull ahead of the Gorillas lead, ending the game in a final score of 9-11.

“I think we will continue to improve as a team this season,” said Montana Mesler, freshman pitcher. “If we continue to communicate well and stay mentally tough.”

Hornet softball will be back in action this weekend at home. They will host a ten-team tournament Friday through Sunday.