EMPORIA, Kan. – The Washburn Ichabod softball season came to an end with a 2-1 loss to No. 7-ranked Missouri Southern on Thursday morning at Trusler Sports Complex in Emporia, Kan., in the MIAA Quarterfinals. The Ichabods end the season at 36-19.
The Ichabods were limited to four hits but pushed the tying run into scoring position in the seventh and brought the potential tying run to the plate in the final inning.
After Missouri Southern scored unearned runs in the first and third innings taking a 2-0 lead, Washburn continued to chip away against Pickens. Dalaney Anderson led the offense, going 1-for-2 with a double and a walk, while Aspen Burgardt and Madi Moore each added singles. Washburn put runners on base in four of the final five innings but was unable to deliver a breakthrough hit until the seventh, finishing the game with seven LOB's.
In the seventh, pinch-hitter Danielle Schlader drew a one-out walk and Kate Dolan reentered, advancing to second on a wild pitch. Makenzie Sais followed with a single through the right side to drive in Washburn's only run and cut the deficit to one. The Ichabods brought the tying run to base again before Missouri Southern (46-7) closed the door.
In the circle, Sadie Walker delivered a strong outing for Washburn, pitching her second consecutive complete game in less than 24 hours, allowing just four hits and two runs - only one earned - over six innings. Walker scattered two walks and struck out two.
