MNU Athletics

Canton, MO - The MNU Softball Team kept their winning ways as they started their Heart of America Conference (HAAC) season on Friday when they swept Culver-Stockton College 4-0 and 2-0.

Game 1 - The scoring started in the top of the 2nd inning when sophomore Cait Gardner doubled in freshman Leslie Jones after her leadoff base hit. Back to back singles by junior Stephanie Jones and junior Brianna Payne scored Gardner. Jones got thrown out trying to reach 3rd on Payne's hit but Payne later scored the 3rd run of the inning after she stole 2nd base and was hit in by junior Emily True. MNU tacked on a run in the 6th when Taylor Ryal singled to lead off the inning. Sophomore pinch runner Becca McCoy stole second and scored when Leslie Jones put down a sacrifice bunt that was thrown away by the Culver-Stockton 3rd baseman.  Four runs was plenty for senior pitcher Penny Eastman who became 8-1 on the season while throwing a complete game surrendering no runs on just 2 hits with no walks and 8 strikeouts. Leading the offense was Brianna Payne 2-4, Run, RBI, SB; Emily True 2-4, RBI, SB while 5 other Pioneers added a hit.

Game 2 - The 2nd game featured another dominant performance by an MNU pitcher. This game belonged to junior Jennifer Costa who also became 8-1 on the season. Costa threw a complete game 2 hitter while walking 1 and striking out 6. Costa would only need 1 run by her offense but was given 2.  MNU scored 1 in the 5th inning when Brianna Payne tripled with 2 outs and scored on a passed ball. The Pioneers would add a second run in the 7th when Leslie Jones led off with a single and stole both 2nd and 3rd base. Jones scored when Cait Gardner pinch hit and singled her in with a liner to left.  Leading the offense was Leslie Jones 2-3, Run, 2 SB and 5 other Pioneers added a hit.

"Our pitching was superb," reports Coach Babinski. "Two complete game shutouts with only 4 total hits and only 1 walk...I couldn't ask for more. Our hitters were sluggish but with solid defense and spectacular pitchings our hitters did just what they needed to win a few ball games."

The Pioneers move to 19-2 on the season and will suit up for a double header against HAAC opponent Lindenwood University this Saturday at 1 pm.