ST. LOUIS- The Missouri Baptist Softball team faced off against Avila University for the last regular season matchup. The day ended with the team splitting the double header against the Eagles, closing out the 2023 season with a 33-16-1 record.
 
GAME ONE
Things started off a little rough for the Spartans in the top of the first inning with a couple errors by the defense. MBU went into the bottom of the inning with Avila already on the board. The Spartans nearly added a run of their own in the bottom of the second when Allison Leigraf had a hit out to center field that bounced right off the top of the fence that stayed in play. Their time did come in the bottom of the second where they were able to score a run on an error by the short stop.
 
Avila put up another couple runs in the third inning, bringing the score 3-1. MBU attempted a comeback in the bottom of the inning, adding another run to their score. Shelby Sievers had a single through the right side and was able to score an a single to center field by Kolby Brake.
 
The Eagles widen the gap in the top of the fifth adding another run and clenched their win in the top of the seventh with two more. The Spartans were unable to capitalize on the seven hits they had in the game to make the comeback.
 
In between games, the team honored the Spartan seniors AnnaBeth Batson, Madalyn Bone, Ellie Wessel, Addison Rinderer and Shelby Sievers. On top of their numerous achievements earned while at MBU, they have greatly contributed to adding a few firsts to MBU Softball history this year. This includes their first ever regular season AMC Championship as well as receiving votes at the National level.
 
GAME TWO
It was a combined effort in the circle for the Spartans second game comeback. Rinderer, the starting pitcher got the momentum going early, striking out the first three batters of the game. While the first inning remained scoreless, the Spartans bats lit up in the bottom of the second. Batson was able to make it on base with a lead off walk. On a single by Meghan Hager, Batson was able to round the bases to third and make it home on a hard hit to the first baseman by Rinderer. Hager who was on second, added to the board on a hit through the left side by Molly McPheeters. The Spartans added their last run of the inning on an error. With a misplayed ball by the center fielder, Madalyn Bone was able to reach first while Wessel capitalized on the opportunity to make it home.
 
After three up- three down in the top of the fourth, MBU came out to add another run to the board. Wessel, who recorded another lead off walk for the Spartans, added the run on a single up the middle by Allison Leigraf. McKenna Joern took to the circle in the top of the fifth, and with a strike out and two fly outs by the defense, the inning went by quick. In the bottom of the sixth, the Spartans brought the score 5-0. Sievers made it on base with a single through the left side and was moved into scoring position on a ground out by Sheldon Underwood. Batson the stepped up to the plate to hit a double in between the right and center fielders, bringing in Sievers. The game ended 5-0 with Rinderer recording the win and Joern earning the save.
 
The Spartans concluded the regular season splitting the double header with Avila. Next up, MBU will be taking on the conference tournament in their run for the title. Game one of the tournament will be on May 2 against No. seven seed, Stephens College at 10 AM at Antimi Softball Complex in Columbia, Mo.