‘Sisterhood of believing’ powers best start in MoWest softball history

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A great start to the season got even better for Missouri Western State University softball after two resilient wins in a doubleheader against Augustana March 7.

The Griffons' win total grew to 18, against just three losses, elevating the beginning of the season from 'strong' to 'historic' -- the best start in program history.

That's no small feat, given MoWest softball's strong history. The program's 1982 NAIA national title remains the only national championship in the history of Griffon Athletics.

Coach Nicole Thompson believes credit is due up and down the roster.

"The sisterhood of believing in one another, that it doesn't have to be the one person every single game..." said Thompson, "...really helps our team be able to succeed in those, those clutch times."

Senior third baseman Ayva McComas came through with the walkoff double to secure a doubleheader sweep against Augustana. She believes there's a stark difference between this year's squad and last year's.

"The team we had last year wouldn't have won a lot of the deep games we're playing," said McComas. "I think that - I mean, it's really, truly, we do not give up. We're never out of a game."

That point was echoed by her partner on the left side of the infield, senior shortstop Kalee Higdon.

"We're a different team than we've been in the past," said Higdon. "I mean, we do have some of the same people, but I don't think, in a way -- it's the same name. But I don't think it's the same person stepping onto the field as it's been in the past."

Pitcher Torie Sandoval is another senior. She played a huge role in helping MoWest improve to 18 and 3 against Augustana: picking up the save in game one and a win in game two.

She cruised most of the way through the latter, but ran into some trouble late, allowing a lead-changing home run.

She said she wasn't worried for a second.

"I just had full confidence in all of the people that went up to bat," said Sandoval. "Even with two outs, Ayva, like I've played against Ayva in the past. I was like - she's, she has. She's done it before. She can do it again. Like, I had all the confidence in the world in my team."

Sandoval and McComas faced off in the junior college ranks before teaming up on the Griffon softball team.

Coach Thompson offered a striking statistic for those who might remain unconvinced about the steps forward her program has taken.

"We've hit 23 home runs right now, in 20 games," said Thompson. "We hit 23 all year last year."

The Griffons split a doubleheader against Minnesota State Moorhead Thursday, putting a bow on pre-MIAA play.

They started conference play the same way, splitting a doubleheader against Fort Hays State at home.