Softball Wins Game Two and Splits with Park on Senior Day

Marshall, Mo., (April 29, 2023)- The Missouri Valley College softball team finished its 2023 season with a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader at home, Saturday afternoon, against Park (Mo.) on Senior Day. The Vikings dropped the first game, 8-6, but bounced back to win game 2, 6-1, to split the doubleheader.

The opening game started with both teams going through the first inning scoreless. Missouri Valley went in front in the top of the second as Sophomore First Baseman Morgan Newmyer (Davenport, Iowa) singled, and Senior Second Baseman Ashley Cox (Yreka, Calif.) followed with a two-run homer. The Vikings kept the Pirates scoreless in the first three innings as Senior Pitcher Kim Horsten (Moergestel, The Netherlands) struck out a couple of batters. Senior Centerfielder Viviana Gamez (Newark, Calif.) and Sophomore Leftfielder Caitlyn Vela (Kingsburg, Calif.) had a single each, and Gamez scored on a single from Senior Designated Player Lauren Caswell (Santa Clause, Ind.). Park loaded the bases in the top of the fourth inning, and used an error to score three runs and tie the contest, 3-3. Three more runs were scored by the Pirates on two errors and a wild pitch to take the lead in the game, 6-3. The Vikings got one run back as C. Vela scored, while Cox grounded out to shortstop in the fifth. A single from Senior Right Rightfielder Madi Alexander (Louisville, Ky.) and an error by the Pirates helped MVC to cut into its deficit, 6-5. Park scored two runs on four hits to extend its lead. Missouri Valley used a single by Freshman Shortstop Aidee Mendoza (Santa Ana, Calif.) and another by Caswell, as well as an error, to load the bases. However, the Vikings only scored one run and fell short by a final score of 8-6.

Cox finished with one hit, one run and three RBI's, while Newmyer added two hits, one run and one RBI. Gamez had one hit, one run and one RBI, and Alexander totaled two hits and one run. Horsten pitched the complete game, giving up twelve hits, two earned runs and six strikeouts.

Game two started with the Pirates going in front early, this time using two hits to produce one run in the first inning. Both teams were held scoreless for the next two innings. The Vikings came through with the first run of the contest using a single by Mendoza, and Newmyer, followed by a wild pitch by the Pirates and then a single from Gray to bring home Mendoza. Park threatened in the sixth, loading the bases but a double play by the Vikings ended the rally attempt. Missouri Valley followed with a long rally in the bottom of the sixth inning as both Caswell, and Cox singled. An error helped MVC to load the bases and Caswell to score, then a wild pitch brought Cox home. As the rally continued, Senior Catcher Carly Powley (Keenesburg, Calif.), and Gamez walked. Alexander scored as C. Vela singled, and another single from Mendoza allowed Gamez to score to put the advantage at 6-1. Senior Pitcher Paige Rademann (Jefferson City, Mo.) struck out a pair of batters to finish out the 6-1 win.

Mendoza led with three hits, one run and one RBI, while C. Vela added one hit, and two RBI's. Caswell and Gamez had one hit and one run each. Rademann pitched seven innings, giving up six hits, one earned run and six strikeouts.

Today's doubleheader was the final event on the team's schedule for the regular season. The Vikings finished their 2023 season at 24-22 overall, and 13-13 in the Heart. Park moves to 21-22 on the season and 10-16 in the conference.

Game 1 Box Score - Click Here

Game 2 Box Score - Click Here

About Missouri Valley College

Known for its dynamic, richly diverse, and friendly educational environment, Missouri Valley College offers many opportunities to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in the liberal arts, undergraduate studies empower students to master interdisciplinary skills needed to succeed in a knowledge-based global society. MVC offers over 30 academic programs, study abroad program, extracurricular activities, and a wide variety of sports. The most popular majors include education and business, criminal justice and exercise science. Above all, Valley is committed to student success. For more information, call (660) 831-4000 or visit www.moval.edu.