PITTSBURG, Kan. - The Winona State University softball team split in their first two road games of the 2022 season, defeating host Pittsburg State 9-0 but falling in a neutral-site matchup with Drury University, 12-2. 

Game One

Liz Pautz earned the complete game shutout, throwing a two-hitter against Pittsburg State. The senior standout struck out 16 and did not allow a walk, picking up her second win of the season.  

Pautz had strong run support in the game, with Rylee Stout, Teaghen Amwoza and Ann Smolenski all hitting home runs, while Abbie Hlas had a double. Libby Neveau was 2-for-4 and scored twice and Smoleski led the Warriors with three RBI. 

Game Two

Drury University got on top of Winona State early, scoring the first run of the game in the top of second inning. WSU responded with a pair of scores in the bottom of the frame with Abbie Hlas singling to left center scoring Sam Keller and Brianna Luciano. 

Unfortunately, Drury returned the favor the next inning, plating two Panthers and then put together a nine-run fourth frame that put the game out of reach. DU belted five home runs in the top of the fourth, accounting for nine runs with five swings. 

Kristina Bettis went the distance for Drury in the win, while Abbie Hlas, Emilee Erickson and Abby Smith took the circle for Winona State. 

Winona State returns to action tomorrow against Pittsburg State at 11 am and Drury University at 1pm.