Softball Hosts Pair of Home Doubleheaders to Close Out March

FHSU Sports Information Department

Fort Hays State Softball plays host to Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State in a pair of doubleheaders at Tiger Stadium in Hays this week. The Tigers take on MSSU at 3 pm on Thursday (Mar. 30), then PSU at 2 pm on Friday (Mar. 31). FHSU enters the doubleheaders at 9-23 overall, 2-4 in the MIAA.

The Tigers enter the weekend unbeaten at home so far in four games. FHSU has struggled to a 5-23 record away from Hays this season. FHSU has swept doubleheaders at home against Wayne State (Neb.) and Northeastern State so far this year.

Fort Hays State looks to jump back into the thick of the MIAA standings race after dropping all four MIAA contests last week. At two games under .500, the Tigers sit in 10th place in the MIAA standings. A .500 conference record currently occupies eighth place in the standings and the top eight teams qualify for the MIAA Tournament at the end of the season.

Veronica Knittig continues to lead the Tigers offensively with a .366 batting average, 10 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 3 home runs), and 20 RBI. Lily Sale and Tess Gray are both hitting north of .300 for the season. In the circle, Carrie Clarke has a 4.06 ERA and Hailey Chapman has a 4.84 ERA.

Missouri Southern dropped its last three contests, all to Pittsburg State. MSSU enters Thursday’s doubleheader at 13-24 overall and 2-6 in the MIAA. The Lions split a conference doubleheader with the Gorillas before falling in both games of a non-conference doubleheader. Abi Corbett leads the Lions in hitting with a .429 average, 32 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. The Lions have started three pitchers an equal amount of times, all with ERAs north of 4.50.

Pittsburg State enters the weekend at 26-10 overall and 5-3 in the MIAA. The Gorillas have won seven of their last 10 games. They most recently split a conference doubleheader with Southwest Baptist. PSU has five regular players hitting over .300 this season, led by Kala Holder at .345. Emmie Robertson is one of the top pitchers in the MIAA, holding an 0.84 ERA for the season with a 17-4 record.