ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Hitting the field for the final day in Missouri, the Augustana softball team split a pair of games on Saturday at the Griffon Softball Field. The Vikings opened the day with a 3-1 loss to Missouri Southern State but came back in game two for a 2-1 win over the Lions. Augustana moved to 20-5 (0-0 NSIC) on the year.

Moments that mattered:

• In game one, Mickschl pitched her six straight complete game, finishing with seven strikeouts in seven innings. 
• Becca Koupal pinch-ran and scored the run for the Vikings.
• In game two, Amber Elliott tossed five strong inning with five strikeouts. She picked up the win and improved to 6-2
• Shannon Petersen provided the offense in game two, going 3-4 and collecting both RBI, including a solo home run.
• Augustana finished 4-1 in the 2019 Hy-Vee Classic.

Game one
The Viking ace Ashley Mickschl took the circle in game one and was strong from the start. The sophomore allowed just a few hits through the first five frames while also racking up six strikeouts. 

Augustana mounted a great scoring chance in the fifth, which started with a Shannon Peterson single. Although the Vikings eventually got a runner to third, they couldn't get the go-ahead run across. 

The Lions responded in the sixth as Lexi Ferrari connected on a two-run single, making it 2-0 Missouri Western. In the seventh, the visitors added on a run as well. 

Augustana looked to answer as they loaded the bases in the seventh, but could only manage one run as Becca Koupal scored on a wild pitch. In the loss, Mickschl still pitched her six straight complete game, finishing with seven strikeouts in seven innings. 

Game two

Augustana bounced back in game two behind a strong start from Amber Elliott. The sophomore twirled five innings, allowing just one run and collecting five strikeouts. Olivia Wolters pitched a perfect sixth and seventh inning to record the save.

The Viking bats also started strong in the final game, led by an RBI single from Shannon Petersen. Augustana then doubled-up the advantage in the fifth thanks to a solo home run from Peterson. The senior from Edina, Minnesota finished 2-of-3 with 2 RBI.

Kara McDougall picked up the other hit on the day for Augustana. Although Missouri Southern got a run back, Wolters slammed the door with her second save of the season. 

The Vikings now return to Sioux Falls for both their home and conference opener. Augustana will welcome in Wayne State for a doubleheader, starting at 3 p.m. at Bowden Field.