While most the students of Missouri Southern relaxed or went on vacation, the softball team was busy with practice and games.

The Lions played 10 games over spring break, wining half of those games. On March 23, the Lions traveled to Lindenwood University were they won the first game in five short innings with a final score of 12-0. The second game lastest 10 innings, but the Lions came through with the win, finishing the game 3-2.

Freshman Pitcher Haley Kinnison pitched the first game for the Lions facing 19 batters and throwing seven strike outs. Freshman Sarah Williams pitched all 10 innings of the second game, facing 44 batters and only allowing eight hits.

Kinnison has made a big impact on the team as a pitcher. She has stuck out 73 batters in the 14 games she has appeared in.

Kinnison said it has been quite a challenge transitioning to college softball.

“There is a lot of pressure being a pitcher, but I’m used to handling tough situations,” said Kinnison. “Although it is a challenge, I love it and wouldn’t change a thing.”

The Lions returned home on Saturday to play a double header against Missouri Western State University.  

Kinnison pitched in the second game against Missouri Western and had three strikeouts.

The Lions had an off day against Missouri Western and could not create enough offense as they lost both games.

“Even if we’re struggling, we always seem to maintain a positive outlook on things,” said freshmen red shirt Brooke Smith. “Our team never goes down without a fight, so every loss is just fuel for the next game.”

The Lions used that fuel as they took on Northwest Missouri State University on Sunday.

Williams pitched a complete game shutout, only allowing the Northwest Bearcats to get two hits the whole game.

The only point of the game came from a sacrifice fly from junior Shelby Romines to bring junior Chloe Brown to home plate.

The Lions defeated the Bearcats 1-0 in the first game of the day, but couldnt keep the momentum going.

Kinnison and freshmen Haley Pypes pitched the second game. Kinnison pitched until the sixth inning as she saw 26 batters and had four strikeouts. Pypes pitches the final two innings, only allowing one hit.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Lions created some offense as junior infielder Brooklyn Farrell hit a triple to right center to bring senior Dawn Grass across the plate for the only run of the game.

The Lions fell short as Northwest Missouri barely defeats the Lions 2-1.