Panthers Open Conference Play at Missouri State

Saturday, March 18

Springfield, Mo.

12 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

12-11, 0

Missouri State

13-9, 0

UNI

Missouri State

Panthers Open Conference Play at Missouri State

3/18/2017 3:37:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

SPRINGFIELD, MO. - The University of Northern Iowa softball team opened conference play in a double header against Missouri State on Saturday.

After only having four hits in the first game, the Panthers (13-11, 1-1 MVC) fell to the Bears (13-10, 1-1 MVC) in their first game of the day, 6-0.

The second match was much more prosperous for UNI. Starting pitcher Alyssa Buchanan held off the Bears to only nine hits and two runs.

After Sammey Bunch struck out, Anna Varriano came into the top of the second inning with an immediate home run into left field. Buchanan followed up Varriano and hit another home run straight into center field to bring the Panthers up 2-0.

Missouri State out their first score on the board in the bottom of the third. Bethany Sullinger grounded out to UNI's first baseman but Erika Velasquez Zimmer was able to reach home plate to bring the score to 2-1 with UNI leading at the end of the third.

In the top of the sixth, the Panthers stretched their lead against the Bears after scoring three more runs. Kennedy Bailey led off and set everything into motion once she singled into left field. With Tianna Drahn pinch running for Bailey, Jaci Spencer was next at bat and also singled into left field to put two Panthers on base.

Sammey Bunch sac bunted and advanced Drahn to third and Spencer to second. Varriano at the plate successfully singled, advanced to second on the throw, and then reached third after an throwing error by MSU's left fielder. During that commotion, Drahn and Spencer both reached home to put two runs on the board for UNI.

Buchanan was next at bat and reached first on a fielder's choice. Courtney Krodinger followed up and was walked, advancing Buchanan to second. Olivia Brooks came in as a pinch runner for Buchanan at this moment.

After a Missouri State pitching change, Brittney Krodinger was also walked to have the bases loaded. An error by the Bears shortstop would bring Brittney Roby to first base and Brooks would reach home plate while Courtney Krodinger would be out at third to end the top of the sixth with a Panther lead of 5-1.

In the top of the seventh, Bailey would once again setup the next run. This time, she reached first by fielder's choice that led to Macey Wolfe being out at second. Abby Downs came in to pinch run for Bailey and wold advance to second after Spencer grounded out to the pitcher. A single into right field by Bunch is all Downs needed to reach home and give the Panthers their final run.

MSU would score one run in the bottom of the seventh but it wasn't enough to close the gap. UNI took game two with a 6-2 victory.

Next up for the Panthers will be the last match against Missouri State on Sunday March 19 at 11 a.m. Live stats and ESPN3 coverage are available for Sunday's match up.