#4 Eagles Go 4–0 in Branson, Knock Off No. 1 Murray State at Grand Slam Tournament
Branson, MO- The #4 Kirkwood Eagles Softball team made a statement this past weekend at the Grand Slam Tournament in Branson, Missouri, going a perfect 4–0 while picking up one of the biggest wins in the country this season.
The highlight of the weekend came when the Eagles defeated #1 Murray State, who entered the matchup with an undefeated 31–0 record. Behind timely hitting, dominant pitching, and balanced offensive production throughout the lineup, Kirkwood outscored opponents 35–10 across the four games.
Game 1 – Kirkwood 12, Fort Scott CC 4
The Eagles opened tournament play with a strong offensive showing, defeating Fort Scott 12–4 behind an 11-hit performance.
Breckin De La Rosa led the charge offensively, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, two RBIs, and three runs scored. Kinsley Theobald also had a big day at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Shannon Finn added two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI.
Sophie Link contributed two hits and an RBI, Alley Gorsh drove in two runs, and Addison Ohda added a two-run double as Kirkwood pushed across runs in four different innings.
In the circle, Carley Cavanagh earned the win, throwing five innings while allowing four hits and striking out four to secure the opening victory.
Game 2 – Kirkwood 4, #1 Murray State 0
The Eagles delivered the biggest win of the weekend with a dominant 4–0 shutout victory over the #1-ranked Murray State Aggies, who entered the game undefeated at 31–0.
Kirkwood collected 10 hits in the game, with Addison Ohda leading the way by going 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Alley Gorsh added two hits, while Mischa Reiners and Breckin De La Rosa each chipped in hits to keep the pressure on the Aggies' pitching staff.
The biggest offensive moment came in the seventh inning when Kinsley Theobald delivered a two-RBI hit to extend the Eagles' lead. Taylor Dieterich and Sophie Link also drove in runs for Kirkwood.
The story of the game, however, was Libby Trewin, who was sensational in the circle. Trewin tossed a complete-game one-hit shutout, striking out six while allowing just one hit and three walks against the nation's top-ranked team.
Game 3 – Kirkwood 9, St. Louis CC 4
Kirkwood continued its strong play with a 9–4 victory over St. Louis Community College, using patience at the plate and timely hitting to pull away late.
The Eagles totaled 10 hits and eight walks in the contest. Mischa Reiners led the offense, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Alley Gorsh added two hits and two runs scored.
Sophie Link reached base multiple times with a hit and two walks while scoring twice, and Macie Fisher contributed two hits and an RBI. Late in the game, Savannah Caves delivered a clutch hit, driving in two runs to help put the game out of reach.
In the circle, Carley Cavanagh earned the win in relief, tossing five strong innings while allowing just two runs and striking out three.
Game 4 – Kirkwood 10, Cowley County CC 2
The Eagles capped off the weekend with another offensive outburst, defeating Cowley County 10–2 to remain perfect in the tournament.
Kirkwood jumped out to a massive seven-run first inning and never looked back.
Addison Ohda delivered the biggest swing of the game with a three-run home run, while Mischa Reiners added two RBIs. Alley Gorsh recorded two hits and an RBI, and Reese Stockman chipped in two hits and a run driven in.
Shannon Finn set the tone at the top of the lineup, drawing three walks, scoring two runs, and driving in a run, while Macie Fisher added a hit and RBI.
In the circle, Libby Trewin continued her strong weekend, earning the win with five innings of work while allowing just three hits and striking out three.
Next Up
The Eagles will now travel to Overland Park, Kansas, where they will take on #11 Johnson County in a doubleheader on Friday, followed by another doubleheader against #25 Kansas City Kansas Community College on Saturday as Kirkwood continues its challenging early-season schedule.
