May 1, 2009-The Emporia State softball team went 1-1 on the opening day of the MIAA Tournament at the Blue Valley Recreation Complex in Overland Park, Kan. on Friday night. ESU run ruled Washburn 9-0 in five innings and fell to Missouri Western 6-1 in their second game.

The Hornets used back to back to back home runs from Abby Hughes, Miranda Campbell and Jennifer Dace to highlight a six run second inning against the Lady Blues in the opener. Megan Dennis gave up three hits in 4.0 innings and Jennifer Heerey retired the Blues in order in the fifth for the Hornets 12th shut out of the season.

ESU stranded nine runners in the loss to MWSU as four of Griffon pitcher Allison Jones strike outs ended innings in which the Hornets had runners in scoring position.

ESU will take on Ft. Hays State at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the first of what will need to be five games if the Hornets are to win their sixth straight MIAA Tournament Title.

NOTES:
This was the first MIAA Tournament loss for ESU since losing to Truman on May 3, 2003 and the first loss not in the championship game since 1-0 loss to MWSU on May 3, 2002.
It was the first MIAA Tournament loss at ESU for head coach Kristi Bredbenner and her first since losing to Washburn in the second round of the 2002 tournament while at Truman. That year she led the Bulldogs all the way back to the tournament championship that year.