Panthers split opening day of Drury Classic

Springfield, Mo– Drury took on Minnesota Crookston in the opening game of the Drury Classic at Thompson Field on Saturday. The Panthers emerged victorious, with a final score of 4-1.
 
Drury’s Kristina Bettis got the victory on the rubber for the Panthers. Bettis tossed a complete game, allowing one run on six hits in the contest. Bettis fanned six batters which brought her season total to eighty strike outs.
 
The Drury offense also had a strong showing, scoring four runs and grabbing ten hits. Lauren Beier had a big day at the dish for the Panthers, driving in Sophia Luetticke with a single to center. Luetticke would drive in a run of her own in the second inning, knocking in Kailyne Luna. Beier added more production in the fifth, smacking a line drive homer deep to center. It would prove to be the knockout punch for the Panthers. Drury would win with a final score of 4-1.
 
In today’s second game, Drury fell to Nebraska Kearney in a 2-0 ballgame. Drury’s Lindsay Henson took the loss in a stellar effort for the Panthers. Henson tossed seven innings, allowing one earned run, and striking out seven batters. 
 
Nebraska Kearney’s Faith Gaynor was equally dominant, throwing a complete game shutout, while only allowing four hits and striking out three. Gaynor got the win and helped Nebraska Kearney move to (8-12) on the season. 
 
Drury’s Megan Parsley slapped two of the four hits the Panthers were able to muster. Lindsay Henson and Sophia Luetticke were the other Panthers to tally hits. Reagan Hight also reached base, walking twice in the game. 
 
The Drury Classic continues tomorrow with Drury’s first of two games starting at 1:30 pm. The Panthers will take on Central Oklahoma followed by Augustana at 3:30 pm.