Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 EMPORIA. Kan. --- The Pittsburg State University softball team split a pair of games in the first day of the ESU St. Patrick's Classic Friday (Mar. 16).

The Gorillas defeated No. 10 University of Minnesota State-Mankato, 2-1, before dropping a 13-2 (5 innings) decision against Augustana University.

The Mavericks struck first with a run in the third inning, followed by the Gorillas scoring a run in the fourth and sixth inning to take the lead. The Gorillas were held to just three hits on the game, compared to eight by the Mavericks. Kristen Van Hoosen went 1-for-3 with two RBI's to lead the Pitt State offense.

In game two, The Vikings limited Pitt State to just four hits compared to the eighteen by the Vikings. Brittanee Knepper led the Gorillas going 1-for-3.  

Pitt State (10-18) will face Minot State University at 10 a.m. and Winona State University at noon Saturday (Mar. 17).