OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Despite doubling the opposition's hit total, the Rogers State softball team could not overcome a big inning as Oklahoma Christian closed the Heartland Conference series sweep winning 6-4 Saturday afternoon at Tom Heath Field.
 
The Hillcats totaled 10 hits and held a 3-2 lead heading into the fifth inning, but could not hold off a five-run fifth frame from the Lady Eagles.
 
Arika Araujo drew a lead-off walk in the second and RSU loaded the bases on singles from Malori Moss and Katlin Alexander. Taylor Santistevan stepped up and delivered a one-out, two-run double into right for the team's first lead of the series, 2-0.
 
OC cut the margin in half in the bottom of the third scoring on a fielder's choice before the two-run lead was regain by the Cats in the fourth, 3-1. Alexander came through with her second hit of the game, this time plating Araujo, who started the inning on another walk.
 
After starting pitcher Mayra Helguera retired the Lady Eagles in order in the fourth, RSU could not hold back the home side from taking the lead in the fifth. Kayla Eichler highlighted the inning by breaking a 3-3 tie on a two-run single.
 
The Hillcats started to climb back in the seventh led by a single from Ashley Williams. The junior moved to second on a foul out and reached third base on a wild pitch. Katelyn Gamble kept the inning going slapping a double down the line in left bringing Williams home for a 6-4 deficit. Morgen Blanchard added a two-out single, but OC got the final out securing the sweep.
 
Blanchard, Alexander, and Santistevan all finished with two hits in the game, while pitchers Helguera and Rachel Jones combined to hold the potent Lady Eagles' offense to just five hits, all singles.
 
RSU (17-30 overall, 6-15 HC) is back on the diamond continuing a difficult road stretch at Central Oklahoma April 19 for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m.