The Emporia State softball team is set to face Washburn this Saturday for their final regular season games, coinciding with Senior Day celebrations for four players: Taryn Burkhardt, Addyson Easter, Leslie Ramos, and Kennedy Topping. The Hornets, with a current record of 28-15 (14-10 MIAA), are ranked fourth in the league, while Washburn stands at 33-18 (10-12 MIAA). Emporia State leads the all-time series against Washburn 100-67, having won four of the last six meetings.

By the Numbers
  • Emporia State has 20 triples this season, leading the MIAA and ranking tenth nationally.
  • Hannah Butterbaugh boasts a 12-5 record with a 2.30 ERA, leading the pitching staff as a freshman.
Yes, But

The Hornets, while performing strongly this season, have faced challenges against top-ranked teams, holding a 3-5 record against teams in the national top 20 at the time of competition.

State of Play
  • Emporia State is coming off a significant sweep against Central Missouri, boosting their MIAA Tournament status.
  • Washburn, despite a lower MIAA standing, has surged with five wins in their last six games.
What's Next

The outcome of the doubleheader against Washburn will affect seeding ahead of the MIAA Tournament starting May 7, where the Hornets seek to maintain momentum and secure a favorable bracket position.

Bottom Line

Emporia State's combination of strong offensive statistics and leadership from key players provides a solid foundation as they approach the MIAA Tournament, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming games in cementing their postseason prospects.