EMPORIA, KAN. -- The Pittsburg State University softball team split a pair of games in the first day of the Emporia State Softball Classic in Emporia on Thursday (Mar. 21). The Gorillas won the first game of the day to St. Cloud State University, 5-4 (8 innings), before dropping a 7-5 decision to Upper Iowa.

Against St. Cloud State (17-4), the Gorillas had five hits, while allowing six hits and committing two errors. Pitt State had the game winning sacrifice fly in the 8th inning from Makenzie Goswick.

Shelby Smith started the game in the circle. She pitched five innings and gave up four unearned runs. Halle Brin pitched the final three innings of the game to pick up the win.   

In the nightcap, the Peacocks (8-6) overcame a 5-2 deficit by scoring five runs in the sixth inning to take the game.

Kaity Kukowski belted a home run during a 2-for-4 day at the plate, while Dru Collins and Ali Gutc both had a single RBI for the Gorillas.  

Pitt State will return to action Friday (Mar. 21) to take on Minnesota State Mankato at 10 a.m. followed by Sioux Falls at 9 p.m.