TOPEKA - The Pittsburg State University softball team wrapped up the weekend at the Washburn Invitational with a 8-6 victory over the Golden Eagles of Minnesota-Crookston.

The Golden Eagles started the game with a four run top of the first inning to give themselves a 4-0 lead. The Gorillas fought back in the bottom of the first with an rbi single from Heather Arnett to score Taylor Lambert. Then Paxtyn Hayes would hit a solo home run to cut the Golden Eagle lead in half. The Golden Eagles would extend their lead with to 5-2 an rbi single in the top of the second. In the bottom of the second, the Gorilla bats came alive as Gracie Sullivan lead off the inning with a solo home run. Heather Arnett would get her second rbi of the game with an rbi single driving home Keelah Griffith. Then Paxtyn Hayes would give the Gorillas the lead with a two-run home run to give her two round trips on the day and give the gorillas a 6-5 lead. The Golden Eagles would tie the game back up in the fourth scoring on a wild pitch. In the bottom half of the fourth, the Gorillas would take the lead back with an rbi off the bat of Kianna Pellegrino to give the Gorillas a 7-6 lead. In the Bottom of the sixth, the Gorillas would score as Taylor Lambert would steal home on a throw back to the pitcher to give the Gorillas their final run to secure a 8-6 victory. In the top of the fifth, Hannah Harrison would come in relief for the Gorillas and would hold on to grab a save, striking out the final six batters of the game. 

Junior Paxtyn Hayes went 2-3 at the plate with three rbis off of two home runs. Freshman Heather Arnett also went 2-3 driving in two runs and swiping a base. Pitcher Hannah Harrison grabbed her first save of the year pitching three innings and striking out seven batters including the final six hitters of the game. 

The Gorillas (10-6) will host the MIAA/GLVC Crossover next Saturday (Mar. 4) and Sunday (Mar. 5) at the Pitt State Softball field in the Gene Bicknell complex.