Baseball swings on
The Hornets took on Lincoln University of Missouri on Saturday, winning both games in the double header, 17-0 and 15-2. Senior infielder/outfielder Joe Vaskas went a perfect three for three at the plate in the first game, scoring six runs batted in and his seventh home run. Brandon Faulkner went 6.0 innings on the mound, allowing three hits and no runs. In the second game, the Hornets scored six runs in the first two innings and never looked back.
The next day, a second double header was played and ESU went 1-1, winning 7-5, and losing 4-5. ESU was on top during the second game, but the Blue Tigers took one win home.
Emporia run-ruled Newman University Tuesday on the road, 18-8. Senior outfielder Dorian Williams scored a season high five runs while contributing an RBI as he went two for four at the plate.
ESU will take on #6 Central Missouri in a four game series on Friday at home.
Softball heading to MIAA tournament
The #14 softball team continued their 15-game winning streak over the weekend, gaining victory on the front end of a double header, 10-2, before falling 4-3 to Northern State University. ESU came out strong with six runs in the top of the second in the first game. Freshman outfielder Stephanie Goodwin went three for four with three RBI, two runs scored and a home run. Emporia started strong in the second game but fell short.
On Saturday, ESU split the double header with the University of Central Oklahoma, losing 2-3, then winning 15-14.
The ladies got ready for the MIAA Tournament with a pair of run-rule wins over Newman, 9-0, and 16-2. Every batter reached a base for ESU. Freshman infielder Taylor Zordel went three for three with five RBI and two runs scored, and Goodwin continued her hitting streak.
ESU will begin the MIAA Tournament at 6 p.m. today against Lincoln in Overland Park at the Blue Valley Recreation Complex.
Mona lands in ESU history
The Emporia State Track and Field team traveled to Lawrence to partake in the KU Relays on April 19. Senior thrower Deja Jackson threw 50.25 meters to place 15th in the hammer throw, gaining another provisional qualifier.
Freshman thrower Sara Dunkin threw 40.31 meters on Friday to take ninth in the javelin, gaining another provisional qualifying mark. Sophomore sprinter/hurdler Andrew Etheridge won his preliminary heat in the 110 meter hurdles, running 14.39.
On Saturday, senior distance runner Katie Mona became the second woman in ESU history to break the 4:30 barrier in the 1500 meter, taking fourth place with a time of 4:29.00.
Junior sprinter/hurdler Vincent Howze was the top placer on the men’s side, running 21.72 in the 200 meter to place fifth.
ESU will travel to Des Moines, Iowa for the Drake Relays tomorrow.
Tennis women advance to MIAA, men finish season
On Saturday, the Emporia State Lady Hornets tennis team made it to the MIAA Tournament semifinals with a 5-0 victory over Fort Hays State. The men’s team ended their season with a loss to Truman University, 6-0.
Sophomore Nicole Jara won #1 singles, and junior Alex Crowe took the #4 singles to capitalize on Ft. Hays State.
On Sunday the women fell 5-0 against Southwest Baptist. The Hornets were swept in doubles as Jara suffered her second loss of the season in #1 singles.
The ladies would proceed to take on Washburn University, losing 5-0, ending the season 16-8 overall, 4-3 in MIAA play.