SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Mission University Softball picked up a doubleheader sweep over Stephens College on Saturday, winning 6–2 in game one and 4–3 in game two, building momentum heading into another stretch of American Midwest Conference play.
Game One: Mission 6, Stephens 2
Mission used a big middle inning to pull away and secure a 6–2 victory in the opener.
The Patriots struck first in the first inning before breaking the game open with a four-run fourth inning and adding another run in the sixth . Mission finished with 11 hits and six runs, capitalizing on consistent offensive pressure throughout the game.
Courtney Merrell led the way with a 3-hit performance and an RBI, while Cole Smith added two hits and an RBI. Kloe Hendrickson, Apryl Zeno, and Haley Frillman also drove in runs as part of a balanced offensive effort.
In the circle, Hailey Presley went the distance, tossing a complete game (7.0 IP) while allowing just two runs on five hits . She kept Stephens off balance all game, stranding runners and limiting big innings.
Stephens scored both of their runs in the third inning, but Mission quickly responded and maintained control the rest of the way.
Game Two: Mission 4, Stephens 3
Game two proved to be much tighter, but Mission delivered late to complete the sweep with a 4–3 win.
The Patriots took an early 2–0 lead in the second inning, then added a run in the fourth before holding off a late push from Stephens .
Stephens cut into the lead and tied things late with a two-run seventh inning, but Mission answered in the bottom half to walk it off.
Courtney Merrell came through in the clutch, delivering the game-winning RBI single in the seventh to score Kloe Hendrickson .
Mission totaled four runs on five hits, showing patience with five walks and aggressive baserunning with multiple stolen bases.
Kate Potter started in the circle and delivered a strong outing, going 7.0 innings and allowing just one earned run while keeping Stephens in check for most of the game .
Key Takeaways
- Game One: Offensive explosion in the 4th inning (4 runs) created separation
- Game Two: Clutch late execution highlighted by a walk-off RBI from Merrell
- Pitching: Two complete-game efforts anchored the sweep
Up Next
Mission returns to AMC play Sunday as the Patriots host Hannibal-LaGrange for another conference doubleheader.
