CLAREMORE, Okla. – After taking both games of a doubleheader yesterday, the Rogers State softball team dropped game three, 6-3, on Saturday at the Diamond Sports Complex.
 
A 5-0 deficit was too much as the Hillcats cut the margin to two at 5-3, but couldn't get any closer in the 6-3 loss.
 
OPSU started with two runs in the second inning. A double off the wall in center scored the first run, and a groundout with a runner at third made it 2-0.
 
The Aggies added to their lead with three runs in the fifth inning. The scoring started with an RBI single up the middle for a 3-0 score. Another run scored on a double to center field, and a ground out to third base added the final run of the inning for the 5-0 OPSU edge.
 
The Hillcats broke through with three runs in the fifth inning to pull to within two at 5-3. With the top of the order up, Ashleigh Stidman and Katelyn Gamble started the inning with consecutive singles. A walk by Katlin Alexander loaded the bases with one out. RSU got on the scoreboard as Gamble scored on a wild pitch. Arika Araujo kept the runs coming as she singled to left center to bring home Morgen Blanchard. An RBI single from Taylor Santistevan plated Kendra Linn, who was pitch running for Alexander, for the 5-3 score. With the bases still loaded, the Hillcats couldn't rally as the next two batters struck out and flied out to end the inning.
 
OPSU added one run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly for the 6-3 final score.
 
RSU totaled 11 hits with Gamble going 3-for-4 with one run scored. Taylor Sutterfield was 2-for-3 with Stidman 2-for-4.
 
Samantha Arledge of OPSU got the win in the circle going the full seven innings. She struck out six and allowed three runs on 11 hits with 151 pitches.
 
 
The Hillcats (16-22, 6-12) step out of Heartland Conference play with a doubleheader against Southern Nazarene on Monday at 4 p.m. at the Diamond Sports Complex. Coverage will be available on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.