Despite Fewer Hits, Cowley College Beats Neosho County (Game 1)

Neosho Softball hit the road on Saturday to open up conference play against the Cowley County Tigers. The game was originally scheduled to be played at home but due to weather had to be moved to Ark City. The Panthers fell 6-3 to Cowley College for game one despite out-hitting them ten hits to seven. The Panthers got going early and found a way to score in the first inning. Leadoff hitter Espy Daniels singled to left field on the first pitch and advanced to second on a passed ball. Journee Zito followed up with a hit by pitch. Neosho scored first when Kirsten Birdwell doubled on a 0-2 count, driving in Daniels. The Panthers would score Daniels again in the second, and once more in the sixth off of Cassidy Paulson's double, but the three runs would not be enough to hold off the Tigers. Paulson took the loss for the Panthers in the contest. The righty surrendered six runs on seven hits over six innings, striking out seven hitters.

The Panthers tallied ten hits throughout the game. Lydia Brown, Paulson, and Journee Zito all collected multiple hits for the Panthers. Daniels, Katie Boline, Kirsten Birdwell, and Mallory Gazaway all had a hit as well. Espy Daniels led the team in stolen bases with three. 

Fewer Hits Still Spells Win For Cowley College Against Panthers (Game 2)

Even though Panthers collected nine hits to Cowley College's eight, they still fell 7-5 for the final score of game two. In the second inning, the Panthers got their offense started when Mallory Gazaway's sac fly scored Kirsten Birdwell. Olivia Cummings took the loss for the Panthers in game two. The right hander went the entire game, allowing eight hits and seven runs while striking out six. The Panthers showcased some power as they socked two home runs on the day. Hannah Duin went yard in the second inning, and Kirsten Birdwell had a Grand Slam in the sixth ining. The Panthers totaled nine hits in the ball game. Ayche Marchoud and Birdwell each had multiple hits for the Panthers. Lydia Brown, Espy Daniels, Katie Boline, Hannah Duin, Mallory Gazaway all notched one hit.