Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 ST. LOUIS, MO – Grand View Softball went toe-to-toe with No. 10 Missouri Baptist University on the road, earning a hard-fought split against the Spartans. The Vikings struck early in Game 1 but couldn't hold off a late surge, before bouncing back in Game 2 with timely hitting and composed pitching to secure the split. GAME 1 | MISSOURI BAPTIST 4, GRAND VIEW 2 Grand View wasted no time getting on the board in the opening inning, as Nevaeh Randall reached and came around to score on an RBI single from Alexia Jarrett to take an early 1-0 lead.
Missouri Baptist answered in the second with a sacrifice fly to even things up, but the Vikings continued to apply pressure throughout the game. Strong outings at the plate from Randall and Elle Nelsen helped keep traffic on the bases, though timely hits proved elusive in key moments.
The Vikings regained the lead in the fifth when Reese Cooley came across on an RBI single from Nelsen, putting Grand View back in front, 2-1.
Starting pitcher Madeline Waldorf kept the Spartans in check through much of the game, striking out six over 5.1 innings and limiting scoring opportunities. However, the momentum shifted in the sixth inning when Missouri Baptist capitalized on a swing that changed everything—a three-run home run that flipped the score in favor of the Spartans, 4-2.
Grand View threatened but was unable to respond in the final frame, as Missouri Baptist held on to take Game 1.
Nelsen and Randall each recorded two hits to lead the Vikings, while Jarrett and Nelsen accounted for both RBIs. GAME 2 | GRAND VIEW 4, MISSOURI BAPTIST 2 The Vikings responded with resilience in Game 2, using timely offense and steady pitching to even the series.
Gabriella Taber ignited the offense in the second inning with a solo home run to left field, giving Grand View a 1-0 advantage. The Vikings added another run in the third, capitalizing on pressure on the basepaths to extend the lead to 2-0.
In the circle, Caedence Risius delivered a strong start, keeping the Spartans off balance through 4.2 innings. Missouri Baptist managed to tie the game in the fifth on a two-run home run, setting up a tense finish.
Grand View answered in the sixth. Ceara Swanson and Risius reached base to set the stage for Lark Drake, who delivered a clutch two-RBI single up the middle to reclaim the lead, 4-2.
Claire Leinen took over in relief and shut the door, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings to secure the victory and earn the win.
Risius led the Vikings offensively with two hits, while Drake drove in a pair of crucial runs. Taber's home run provided an early spark in the bounce-back effort. GAME NOTES
• Elle Nelsen and Nevaeh Randall each tallied multiple hits in Game 1.
• Gabriella Taber launched a home run in Game 2 to spark the offense.
• Lark Drake recorded two RBIs, including the game-winning hit in Game 2.
• Caedence Risius impressed both at the plate and in the circle.
• Claire Leinen earned the win in relief with 2.1 scoreless innings.
• Grand View pitching held Missouri Baptist to just six runs across both games.
• The Vikings played clean defense, committing zero errors on the day. UP NEXT
Grand View continues conference play on the road as they play Willam Woods tomorrow at 1/3 PM CST.