EMPORIA, Kan. -- For the second straight day, the Pittsburg State University softball team split a pair of games at the Emporia State University St. Patrick's Classic Saturday (Mar. 17) at Trusler Sports Complex.

The Gorillas held on for a 10-9 win against Minot State University in Saturday's first game, before Pitt State dropped a 9-3 decision to Winona State University in game two. The Gorillas will close out the five-game, three-day tournament with a 10 a.m. game Sunday (Mar. 18) against the University of Minnesota Duluth.

In game one Saturday, the Gorillas took a 10-5 lead to the bottom of the seventh before holding on for the one-run win.

Kala Hoder led Pitt State's 11-hit attack, going 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. Alicia Lowery hit a three-run home run and Kristan VanHoosen also belted a solo shot for the Gorillas. Brooklynne Simbec (6-10) earned the win, allowing four earned runs in 5 2/3 innings of work.

In game two, Winona State (20-2) jumped out to a 5-0 first inning lead and rode the early momentum to a six-run win over Pitt State (11-19). Emily Clark went 3-for-3 for the Gorillas, while Holder also collected a pair of hits.