EMPORIA, KS. – The Quincy University softball team hit the road for the third straight time to start the season and faced Missouri Southern and Concordia University St. Paul at the 5-State Classic on Saturday (March 6). The Hawks lost game one 10-5, then edged Concordia, 1-0, in a pitcher's duel. 

Game 1
Missouri Southern struck first in the opening game after they plated three runs in the bottom of the first. Quincy battled back with three runs in the top of the third inning off a double from Chelsea Hooker and a single by Kari Sarhage. The Lions delivered the crucial blow in the bottom half of that inning when they scored seven runs to take a 10-3 lead. QU added runs in the fourth and sixth innings, but the Hawks fell 10-5. 

Game 2
Starting pitcher Mac Kenzie Collier pitched a gem in game two on Saturday. The senior from Custer Park, Illinois tossed seven shut out innings, allowed just three hits, struck out four, and gave out no free passes. With Collier so locked in inside the circle, the Hawk offense did not need much to win the game. In the top of third, Kari Sarhage drove in Bailee Mitchell to give Quincy a 1-0 lead. After that run scored Collier allowed just two singles and did not allow a baseb runner to get passed second base. The Hawks held on for the 1-0 victory. 

Game 1 Stat Leaders
Chelsea Hooker – 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, RS
Kari Sarhage – 3-4, RBI

Game 2 Stat Leaders
Mac Kenzie Collier – 7 IP, 0 R, 4 K, 0 BB
Casey Brennan – 2-3, 2B
Ashley Gerber – 2-3, 2B