BRANSON, Mo. — Mission University opened play at the AMC Softball Tournament Tuesday, falling to #4 Central Baptist, 8-0 (5 innings) in the opener before dropping a hard-fought 3-1 decision to #8 Stephens in an elimination game.
Game One | #4 Central Baptist 8, #5 Mission 0 (5)
The Lady Patriots ran into a tough Central Baptist club in the tournament opener, managing three hits while the Mustangs capitalized on six hits, three walks, and Mission miscues to secure the run-rule win.
Apryl Zeno, Courtney Merrell, and Mya Frillman each recorded a hit for Mission, while Hailey Presley worked four innings in the circle. Mission also turned an inning-ending double play defensively.
Game Two | #8 Stephens 3, #5 Mission 1
Mission responded in the elimination game with seven hits, but Stephens used a three-run first inning to hold on for the win.
The Lady Patriots scored their lone run in the fourth inning. Apryl Zeno paced the offense by going 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, while Jillian McDaniel added two hits. Courtney Merrell, Cole Smith, and Haley Frillmaneach contributed a hit. Presley tossed a complete game and held Stephens scoreless over the final five innings.
Up Next
While Mission's AMC Tournament run has concluded, the season is far from over.
The Lady Patriots will continue postseason play at the NCCAA Regional Championship in Fort Worth, Texas, May 8-9, where Mission will compete for a spot in the national field. Mission enters the event ranked 10th in the current NCCAA coaches polls, adding another postseason opportunity for a team that continues to extend its season.
With dual affiliation in the NAIA and NCCAA, the Lady Patriots now turn their attention toward regional play and another championship opportunity.
