Blues pick up season ending split, clinch MIAA playoff spot

It is time for the post season as the Lady Blues Softball team wrapped up their regular season play.

After splitting their last three double headers, the Lady Blues were able to clinch an MIAA tournament berth with an 18-22 record.

The first double header saw two very close games between Washburn and the Truman Bulldogs.

The Lady Blues took an early lead in game one, but the Bulldogs bounced right back to go up 4-2. The sixth inning looked promising for the women in blue, but after only scoring one and stranding the bases load, the momentum was gone and Truman picked up the win 4-3.

The second game was scoreless through its regularity as it went into the eighth tied 0-0. The bottom of the eighth saw Kacy Covert single to lead off the inning and steal second. The team only needed one hit to score her in, and that is what they got. Alex Zordel sent a shot into right to score Covert and win the game 1-0.

Later that week, Pittsburg State softball rolled into town.

Washburn struggled scoring runs in the first game as they were down 1-3 going into the sixth. However, momentum built as they were able to bring girls across home plate, particularly with a grand slam by Zordel, making it 9-3. The game got scary as the Gorillas were able to put up five runs, but could not get the tying run as the Lady Blues won 9-8.

Runs seemed to be an issue in the second game for the Blues, as well. Heading into the last inning, they found themselves down 10-3. Down but not out, Lindsey Moore hit a solo homerun followed by a few more scores. However, that was all she wrote as Washburn scored no more and lost 10-7.

The end of the week pitted Washburn against Missouri Southern in Topeka. This was a special night for the Lady Blues, as it would be some of the seniors last time playing at home.

Senior Britny Cushing reflected on her career at Washburn.

“Washburn softball has prepared me for life,” said Cushing. “I have made lifelong friendships with my teammates and know I can always count on them.”

After a ceremony celebrating the seniors Kacy Covert, Lindsey Moore, and Cushing, the Blues looked to take both games. However, the first was another close but no cigar moment as they dropped it 7-6.

However, the second game was a completely different story as the Lady Blues awoke and scored 11 runs within the first five innings.

With steady defense, only giving up two runs, Washburn took the win by run rule, and ended the home field play on a positive note.