The Missouri Southern State University Lions are roaring louder than ever. In a dominant display of power hitting, the top-seeded Lions (47-7) punched their ticket to the MIAA championship finals with a commanding 6-1 victory over the host and fourth-seeded Emporia State Hornets (29-18) on Friday at Trusler Sports Complex.
The fireworks started early for MSSU. Senior Katie Gray ignited the Lions' offense in the bottom of the third inning, launching a two-run homer just inside the left-field foul pole. That blast not only plated Bailey Dillon but also shattered Gray's own single-season home run record—her 16th of the year. Emily Perry kept the momentum rolling, doubling to right-center to drive in Carsen Tinkler and stretch the lead to 3-0.
Emporia State showed some fight in the top of the fifth, cutting the deficit to 3-1 when Taryn Burkhard singled up the middle to score Kinsey Perine. But the Lions answered with authority in the bottom half of the inning, flexing their muscle with back-to-back home runs.
Maddie Rolfs started the surge, crushing a ball over left-center that sent Emporia State center fielder Burkhardt crashing into the fence, scoring Micah Snider. Not to be outdone, freshman Avery Sue Davis followed with a solo shot over the left-field fence, making it 6-1 and putting the game out of reach.
The Lions' lineup was relentless, with three players recording multiple hits. Tinkler went 2-for-3 with a run, Rolfs finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run, and Davis added a 2-for-3 performance with an RBI and a run.
On the mound, starter Kiki Pickens (20-3) earned her 20th win of the season, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out four over four innings. Freshman Emily Davis then shut the door, earning the save with three scoreless innings of relief, fanning five and walking none.
"Kiki early on helping keep us composed was really big for us," said MSSU head coach Halie Blackney. "I feel that paid off early in the game, and then we kind of settled in and were ourselves. Pitching and defense is what we hang our hat on. Kiki did her thing, and then Emily Davis came in and did her thing too."
For Emporia State, Burkhardt led the way offensively, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. But the Hornets couldn't overcome the Lions' firepower. Starter Hannah Butterbaugh took the loss, surrendering three runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings.
"We knew playing the Hornets here in Emporia, there was going to be a lot of energy," Blackney added. "They are an energetic bunch, and we knew we would have to weather the storm. I felt like the maturity and experience of our upperclassmen really carried us through that. It was a team win. I love our team, just because of how we play, which is together always."
The MIAA regular-season champions now set their sights on the tournament title, with the championship game scheduled for noon Saturday. Can the Lions keep their bats hot and bring home the trophy? All eyes will be on Trusler Sports Complex to find out.