OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Rogers State softball team fell 4-2 at Oklahoma Christian in the regular season finale on Saturday (April 28). With the loss, RSU fell back to fifth in the Heartland Conference standings at 16-12 after being in a tie for the lead heading into this weekend's three-game series. St. Mary's won the league title at 19-9.
 
The Hillcats (35-18, 16-12 Heartland) went in front 2-0 in the top of the sixth inning with a two-run home run to left from Danelle Day. Tailee Reding also scored on the homer.
 
RSU's lead didn't last as the Eagles posted four runs in the bottom of the sixth to earn the 4-2 win and sweep the three-game weekend series. With the bases loaded for OC, a walk tallied the first run and a two-RBI single to right give the host Eagles a 3-2 edge. The advantage grew to 4-2 with a double to right.
 
The game was scoreless in the first five innings and the two teams combined for only 10 hits for the complete game in the pitching duel. OC's Kaylie Upton and Madison Hagood (12-10) allowed only four hits and two runs with six combined strikeouts. For RSU, Alex Brake (14-7) went the first 5.2 innings with only four hits and three runs given up. She posted seven strikeouts. Reding came in for one out, but allowed two hits and one run.
 
 The navy and red finished with only four hits. Reding went 2-for-4 with one run scored. Day was 1-for-2 with two RBI and one walk.
 
RSU is one of five teams to qualify for the Heartland Conference Tournament. Regular season champion St. Mary's will host the event from Thursday to Saturday. OC finished second in the league with Lubbock Christian and Texas A&M International in third and fourth, respectively. The Cats are the fifth seed.
 
The Hillcats travel to the Heartland Conference Tournament in San Antonio, Texas as the No. 5 seed where RSU will play Texas A&M International on Thursday (May 3).