LAWRENCE, Kan. — Mission University softball closed out its regular season Friday with a split against Haskell, rolling to a 10-1 win in game one before falling 7-3 in the nightcap. The Patriots finish the regular season at 26-17 and head into postseason play after another 20-win campaign.
Game One | Mission 10, Haskell 1
The Patriots put together one of their most complete performances of the season in the opener, piling up 10 runs on 11 hits while backing a complete-game effort from Hailey Presley.
Mission scored in six of seven innings, including a three-run fifth and three-run seventh to pull away late. Courtney Merrell paced the offense, going 2-for-3 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored, while Presley helped her own cause with two hits, three RBI and a triple. Maddie Good added two RBI, and Maggie Painter drove in another while swiping two bases.
In the circle, Presley allowed just one run on five hits over seven innings, striking out three in the win. The Patriots played error-free defense behind her.
Game Two | Haskell 7, Mission 3
Mission grabbed an early lead in the nightcap, but Haskell used a five-run fourth inning to swing momentum and earn the split.
The Patriots finished with nine hits, led by Courtney Merrell, who went 3-for-4 with two RBI, while Hailey Presleyadded three hits. Jill McDaniel doubled and scored, and Apryl Zeno added an RBI as Mission scored twice in the third and once in the fifth.
After Haskell answered with two runs in the second, the host's big fourth inning proved decisive. Mission threatened late but stranded 10 runners in the loss. Kate Potter started in the circle, while McDaniel provided relief.
Regular Season Complete
The split wraps up the regular season for the Patriots, who carry momentum from a strong conference stretch into the postseason after posting 25 total wins on the year. Mission now turns its focus toward the upcoming AMC Tournament.
