Mesquite, Texas.- Missouri Baptist University Softball was back in the south for the SCS NAIA Invitational. MBU was down in the Lone Star State looking for a little redemption from their previous weekend in Louisiana. The Spartans kicked off day one of the Invite in a big way. MBU pulled out a big 9-3 win against their first opponent, Southwestern Christian University. The Spartans carried that momentum over into their second game of the day against Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where they run-ruled them in the sixth inning.
 
Game One vs. Southwestern Christian University
 
Brooklynn Fischer had a standout performance at the plate, kicking things off by launching a bomb right over center field to put the Spartans on the board in the first inning. Not to be outdone, SCU's Lexie Smith hit one over the fence in the bottom of the second to bring it to a tied ball game. Undeterred, the Spartans sat down the Eagles to find themselves back at the plate. Abagail Cafolla made it on base with a single to the shortstop and once again Fischer was stepping up to bat. With another big hit, Fischer launched it over the fence, bringing the score 3-1.
 
While the sophomore may have been having a good day at the plate, Fischer was struggling to remain consistent in the circle. With a couple of wild pitches, and a few balls sneaking past catcher, Natalie Archer, SWC was able to tie it up once again in the bottom of the third.
 
Alexandria Cafolla was subbed in to pitch in the bottom of the fourth, striking out her first batter of the game. While SWC managed to get a couple hits on the graduate student, her teammates were there to back her up and effectively kept the Eagles off the board. This remained true for the remainder of the game.
 
MBU took the lead in the fifth inning, with both Ab. Cafolla and Fischer back at it at the plate. Ab. Cafolla smacked one to center field, earning a spot at second base. Fischer then stepped up and hit her third home run of the game. The Spartans solidified their lead in the sixth with AB. Cafolla doing her thing again, batting in both Meghan Hager and Allison Leigraf with a single to left field. Kolby Brake stepped up and hit a single of her own, bringing in Abby Wilson, who made it base earlier with a walk. A couple hits and no runs later, the game ended with MBU on top 9-3
 
 
While Fischer may have had some wild pitches under her belt, when the sophomore was able to find the strike zone, the Eagles were struggling to make contact. Fischer struck out seven batters in her three innings in the circle. Al. Cafolla closed out the game, giving up no runs and striking out five batters to secure the win.
 
Game Two vs. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
 
Taylor Whitehead led the charge in the circle for MBU this go around, striking out two of the three batters in the top of the first. With Amber Cage making the play at second base, it was a quick three up three down. The next two innings, Whitehead sat down all six batter she faced, blazing through the Aggies line up. With the combo of Whitehead's pitching and the Spartans defense, MBU was able to effectively shut down their opposition, with a lone hit coming from OPSU in the fourth inning.
 
MBU kept racking up the hits but wasn't able to capitalize on them till the fifth inning. With both Hager and Cage in scoring position after stealing second and third, they were able to capitalize on an Error by the infield. Hager found herself safely at home while Cage advanced to third. Ab. Cafolla was able to bring Cage in with a single that found its way into left field. MBU closed out the inning, securing the 2-0 lead.
 
 
MBU proceeded to make quick work of the Aggies, sitting down all three batters in the top of the sixth. It was now the bottom of the inning, and the Spartans went to work at the plate. Jenna Achs found herself on first with a single to center and fellow sophomore, Miranda Ladson stepped up and hit a double to centerfield to bring her in. The scoring didn't end there. Leigraf soon joined Ladson on base with a walk and right after, Hager caused some chaos with a bunt. The infield had another error, allowing both Leigraf and Ladson to score.
 
Making it on base next was Wilson and Ab. Cafolla who both walked. Emily Wright was then subbed in as a courtesy runner for Wilson who was catching this go around. Brake proceeded to bring in both Wright and Ab. Cafolla with a single to center field. After a couple more Spartans getting some hits in, the game ended with the bases loaded and Ladson stepping up and watching four balls go by. With the Spartans earning their eighth run of the game, the game was called and MBU was declared the winner. With the 8-0 victory, Whitehead earned her first shut-out of the season, narrowly missing out on a no-hitter.
 
Next, the Spartans will go up against (9) Oklahoma City University and (RV) Friends University tomorrow (Feb 9) for day two of the Invite.