WARRENSBURG, Mo. – No. 8 Rogers State softball (27-6, 6-4 MIAA) swept Central Missouri (22-14, 6-6 MIAA) in a MIAA doubleheader on Sunday.
 
GAME 1 – RSU 2, UCM 1
 
The first game of the day was a pitcher's duel with the Hillcats jumping out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Paxton Donaldson doubled to right center with one out to get things started. A Bridgett Morales fly out to center moved her to third. Donaldson then scored on a wild pitch.
 
In the next two innings, both starters refused to allow a run and combined to scatter four hits.
 
The Jennies tied the game at 1-1 with a run in the fourth inning. After loading the bases, the run scored from third on a 4-3 double play.
 
The pitchers went back to work as they only allowed one combined hit over the fifth and sixth innings.
 
RSU broke through in the top of the seventh as Callie Yellin belted a first pitch, lead off homer over the left center field wall for the game winning run, securing the 2-1 victory.
 
Sara Llamas-Howell (13-1) earned the complete game win only allowing one run on six hits with seven strikeouts. Paige Petefish (7-3) took the loss.
 
GAME 2 – RSU 7, UCM 2
 
The second game looked to be another pitcher's duel as both starters worked the first two innings scattering three hits with no runs.
 
The Hillcats got on the board first again in the third as they took a 2-0 lead. Paxton Donaldson was hit by a pitch to lead off the frame and then proceeded to steal second. Bridgett Morales launched a two-run shot to straightaway center, scoring Donaldson.
 
The Jennies responded with two runs of their own to tie things at 2-2 in the home half of the third. Both runs scored on a double to left center.
 
RSU punched back with two more runs in the fourth to go back up 4-2. Chelsea Spain double to left center with one out. Donaldson brought her in with a double of her own to center. Makayla Jackson returned the favor with a single through the left side of the infield, plating Donaldson.
 
The Hillcats tacked on two runs in the fifth to extend the margin to 6-2. Abbey Rogers got in on the home run fun with a leadoff solo blast to center field. Yellin then singled through the left side of the infield. Jaylan Gibson earned a full count walk to put runners at first and second. They moved into scoring position on a passed ball. Spain brought in Yellin with a sacrifice fly to right.
 
RSU sealed the 7-2 win with a final run in the seventh. Yellin led off the frame with a four-pitch walk and then advanced to second on a passed ball. Gibson also earned a four-pitch walk. A Marissa Smith infield fly move both runners into scoring position. Spain plated Yellin with a sacrifice fly to center.
 
Jade Sanders (9-2) earned the win with a 6.0 inning start allowing two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts. Courtney Hill also had a solid outing, finishing the final inning out of the bullpen without allowing a hit or a run with one strikeout. Mandy Hansen (1-3) took the loss.
 
The Hillcats will close out their 10-game road trip on Tuesday, April 4 in Kansas City, Mo. with a non-conference doubleheader against Rockhurst. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.