Northwest Takes 2 From SW Baptist

(PLATTE CITY, Mo.) Forced to play its first home softball game away from Maryville, Northwest  (12-4, 2-0 MIAA) didn't seem to notice the difference in a sweep of Southwest Baptist on Friday.

The Bearcats softball field is still recovering from winter weather storms last month, so Friday and Saturday's games were moved to Platte Ridge Park outside of Platte City.

Northwest still appeared to have a homefield advantage as they rocked Southwest Baptist 14-1 in game one, and 7-3 in game two.

Jenna Creger set the tone in game one, striking out four batters in the first two innings. She finished with a season-high 11 strikeouts in a complete game three-hitter.

The Bearcat offense picked up where Creger left off.

Northwest scored five runs in each of the first two innings, and four in the third.

Jordan Ereth went 3-4 in the win with 3 RBI, while Kylie Cantrell went 2-3 with 3 RBI.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the 'Cats got another strong pitching performance, this time from Abbie Vitosh.

Vitosh went the distance allowing three earned runs and striking out seven through seven innings.

Southwest grabbed a 3-0 lead in the first two innings, but didn't tally a run the rest of the contest.

The Bearcats responded with four runs in the bottom of the third.

Hailee Hendricks led Northwest going 3-3 with four RBI in the game. Candace Miller also added a pair of RBI.

Northwest, Fort Hays, Central Missouri and Pittsburg State all sit atop the conference standings without a blemish on their MIAA record.

That's put to the test Saturday with a pair of games against the Jennies at Platte City.