Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 The Tiger softball team picked up its first conference win of the season by splitting a doubleheader with No. 16 ranked Emporia State in Hays. The Hornets took game one 4-3 in eight innings, but the Tigers came back to win the nightcap 7-2. Fort Hays State is now 15-13 overall and 1-5 in the MIAA. Emporia State is 22-7 overall and 3-1 in the MIAA.

Game 1: Emporia State 4, FHSU 3 (8 inn.)

Box Score

After falling down early 3-0 to the Hornets, the Tigers pulled within a run on a two-run home run by Maddie Holub in the bottom of the third. 

Neither team could scratch another run across until an error by the Hornets with two outs in the seventh extended the game. A high throw by the ESU third baseman caused a collision between the first baseman and the hitter Maddie Holub, which allowed Britney Workman to score all the way from second base on the play. That forced extra innings.

Emporia State took the lead back in the the first extra frame on a Kaitlin Martin solo home run and made it hold up to take the first game.

Kayla Rupa threw a complete game for FHSU in the losing effort, allowing 10 hits and one walk with three strikeouts. She is now 8-9 on the season.

The win went to Karley Schmelzle (7-2) who allowed just four hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

Game 2: FHSU 7, Emporia State 2

Box Score

The Tigers looked in trouble in the first inning. With one run already across, ESU had the bases loaded with one out. FHSU pitcher Maddie Holub worked out of the jam to avoid any further damage.

The Tiger offense then errupted on ESU starter Jennifer Heerey in the bottom of the second. Britney Workman had a RBI single with the bases loaded and no outs to tie the game. Taylor Nelson immediately followed with a two-RBI double off the left field wall to put the Tigers up 3-1. Heerey was lifted for reliever Paige Ladenburger, who uncorked a wild pitch to allow another run to score, then Danie Brinkmann later drove in the fifth run of the inning on a RBI single. All five runs were charged to Heerey, who lasted just an inning in the losing effort.

The Tigers pushed the lead to 7-1 in the fourth on a bases loaded double by Malinee Powell. She was facing ESU's third pitcher of the game, Lauren Sharp, who entered after Ladenburger allowed two straight walks to load the bases.

Maddie Holub worked out of a bases loaded jam in the sixth and then allowed just one run in ESU's last rally attempt in the seventh. She recorded her sixth strikeout facing Kaitlin Martin with runners at second and third to end the game. Holub moved to 7-4 with the win, allowing the two runs on nine hits and two walks.

The Tigers play another conference doubleheader at home on Saturday (Apr. 2) against Missouri Western. Game time is set for 1 pm.