Columbia, Mo.- Missouri Baptist kicked off conference play yesterday (April 30) against No. eight seeded UHSP. The top seeded Spartans set the tone for the game early into the first inning after putting up a few runs and went on to defeat the Eutectics 6-0.

Taylor Whitehead started off the game in the circle, striking out the lead off batter for UHSP. After giving up a hit, MBU made quick work of the next two batters and went on to shut down the Eutectics completely until the seventh inning where they were able to put up   another two hits.

Meghan Hager started off the Spartans at bat with a well-placed bunt to make it on to first. Jenna Achs stepped up and moved Hager into scoring position with a base hit out to left field. After a pair of stolen bases, both runners were in scoring position. Abagail Cafolla then took advantage by hitting a fly ball out to right fielder to bring home Hager. Following than, Leigraf hits a sacrifice fly out to center field to bring home Ladson for their second run of the game.

After three up, three down in the top of the second the Spartans put up another run in the bottom of the inning. Kolby Brake made it on base with a double out to right field. Amber Cage then stepped up and hit a double herself to bring Brake home. The third inning went by with both teams failing to put up a run. It wouldn't be until the fifth when MBU got back to their scoring ways.

Hager was leading off once again, making it on with a single out to left field. Taking advantage of a wayward throw by the left field, the sophomore was able to make her way around to second. Achs then stepped into the batter's box and hit a double out to center to trade places with Hager. Brooklynn Fischer follows up with a similar situation- doubling to the outfield and replacing Achs at second to earning the RBI. On the throw home, Fischer was able to move to third, now closer to scoring herself. The sophomore did when Ab. Cafolla immediately followed up with a ground ball out to center field to bring in Fischer.

The rest of the game went by fast. UHSP did put up a fight in the seventh but the Spartans were able to strand both their runners on base. MBU secured the win against UHSP 6-0 and are now advancing to the next round of the conference tournament. Whitehead was a force for MBU in the circle, striking out a total of 10 batters with only three hits allowed.
 
Next, MBU will be going up against the No. four seed, Cottey College today (May 1) at noon.