EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.- In what was supposed to be the home opener, Missouri Baptist University softball took on Saint Xavier University. Due to inclement weather earlier this week, the games were shifted over to the turf fields at Plummer Family Park in Ill.

GAME ONE
With Shelby Sievers on the mound only one runner was able to enter scoring position in the first two innings. The Spartans got things going in the third with AnnaBeth Batson on base with a walk. Sheldon Underwood then went out to pinch run for the catcher. While Ellie Wessel was up to bat Underwood stole not only second but third as well in two different instances. Wessel then proceeded to hit a double, bringing in Underwood. With a single from Bone putting Wessel into scoring position, Sievers stepped up to the plate. A double from Sievers brought in Wessel, bringing the score to 2-0. Natalie Archer rounded out the scoring opportunities in the third with a single to right field bringing in Sievers.

Sievers was able to earn another RBI in the fifth inning after bringing in Meghan Hager in on a single. The Cougars were able to respond in the top of the sixth after a wild pitch was thrown, bringing in the runner on third. The Spartans were able to close out the game allowing only one more run in the seventh due to a sacrifice fly to center field. The Spartans ended game one 4-2.

GAME TWO
Pitching game two for the Spartans was Alexandria Cafolla who only allowed two hits the entire game. It was a close match up, but the Spartans were able to prevail with a lone run in the second inning. The only run of the game came after Archer was able to make it onto first with a single through the right side. Archer proceeded to steal second and with a fly out to right field by Kolby Brake, the sophomore made her way to third. Allison Leigraf then hit a single up the middle bringing in Archer.

Cafolla was able to earn her second shut out of the season. The Spartans were able to out hit the Cougars 4-2, securing the 1-0 win.

Next up for the Spartans is the Oklahoma City University Tournament starting on Feb. 17.