CLAREMORE, Okla. – No. 18 Hillcat Softball is set to kick off the 2026 season at the Gulf Shores Invitational this Friday through Sunday in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
 
Action at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex is set to kick off Friday with matchups against Montevallo (Ala.) at 11 a.m. and Valdosta State (Ga.) at 1:15 p.m. On Saturday, RSU will take on Delta State (Miss.) at 10 a.m. and Auburn-Montgomery (Ala.) at 12:15 p.m. The weekend concludes with games against Union (Tenn.) at 10 a.m. and Spring Hill (Ala.) at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday.
 
"I hope to go 6-0; that's the ultimate goal," commented RSU Softball head coach Andrea Vaughan on heading back to the Gulf Shores Invitational to open the season. "It's fun for the girls. You get to fly out; it feels like opening weekend and it's been a great tournament to start the season the last few years. It also serves as a good measuring stick to see where we're at."
 
PRESEASON SCOUTING REPORT
In season 21, Rogers State Softball will showcase several new faces, with only five returning players from last year and 15 newcomers joining the roster, including nine transfers and six freshmen.
 
Vaughan, the all-time winningest coach in program history with a record of 360-176-1 entering her 11th season, described the offseason as both challenging and enjoyable, with 15 new players joining the team.
 
"It's essentially a reset year, and we are focused on instilling our culture and expectations. This has pushed our coaching staff to lead better and revisit some aspects we may have taken for granted in the past. Vaughan added, "There's been a significant learning curve, but this group is eager to learn and be part of what RSU softball represents. We've worked hard to instill our tradition, legacy of success and the responsibilities that come with it. While there has been some adjustment, the team's coachability and hunger to earn a spot have been refreshing."
 
The Hillcats aim to build on a successful 2025 season, which saw them finish with a 39-15 record (16-8 MIAA), secure a runner-up spot in the MIAA Tournament, and make their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
 
On what she hopes to carry from last year this season, Vaughan replied, "I think the expectation every time you step on the field is to win and to fight for the legacy that previous players have established. They're starting to get that. At first, I was skeptical; I didn't think they understood. I was pretty hard on them in the fall, but I believe they're beginning to understand now."
 
CELEBRATING CANDACE
On Saturday, Jan. 31, Candace (Monigold) Rudd will make history as the first softball player inducted into the RSU Athletics Hall of Fame. A native of Broken Arrow, Rudd played two seasons with the Hillcats after starting her career at NEO A&M.
 
"This is incredible for her, and I'm very excited that she's our first one for our program," Vaughan commented on Rudd being inducted into the Hall of Fame. "She had such a great career here, not only a great softball player, but just a great person and first All-American for the program. So, it's fitting that she would be the first one inducted." Vaughan added, "I was just an assistant when she was playing and we have some great memories together. She was just a lot of fun to coach."
 
Rudd quickly made her mark, earning NAIA First Team All-American and All-Heartland Conference First Team honors. In her first season with the Hillcats, Rudd posted an impressive .433 batting average and earned NAIA First Team All-America honors. She set a single-season record for RSU with nine home runs and 50 RBIs over 56 games. Under head coach Mark Dicus, the Hillcats recorded a 40-19 season and qualified for the NAIA Tournament in his final year.
 
In the 2014 season, she played in all but one game in the outfield and led the team in nearly every offensive category. Her outstanding performance that season included a .357 batting average, 10 home runs, and 27 RBIs, earning her a spot on the All-Heartland Conference First Team. She played under head coach Amy Cope during her senior year, assisted by current head coach Andrea Vaughan.
 
ROGERS STATE FESTIVAL
The Hillcats will host the inaugural Rogers State Festival at the RCB Sports Complex on Feb. 7-8. Fans can purchase day passes for $15 or all-festival passes for $25. For more information or questions, contact Corrie King at cking@rsu.edu.
 
The two-day event will feature 10 games, starting with the Hillcats facing Upper Iowa in the home opener at 10 a.m. on Feb. 7, followed by a game against Southern Nazarene at noon. On Feb. 8, RSU will compete against Midwestern State (Texas) at 2 p.m. and Southwestern Oklahoma State at 6 p.m. All games will be broadcast on the MIAA Network (Premium Games), with live stats available.
 
"It's very exciting for the program and for athletics in general," Vaughan said at the inaugural RSU Softball Festival. "Softball can be very profitable. It's such a growing sport. People love to get out and watch softball. My desire has always been to get people here, mainly to showcase Rogers State, but also as a revenue source.
 
I've always wanted to do it, but early on, teams wanted to play on turf fields where they were guaranteed games. I've never really been able to get it off the ground because they chose other venues with turf fields. The addition of the turf has taken the program and the university to the next level."

COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Saturday, February 7
Upper Iowa vs. Rogers State at 10 a.m.
Southern Nazarene vs. Rogers State at 12 p.m.
Southwestern Oklahoma State vs. Upper Iowa at 2 p.m.
Southern Nazarene vs. Midwestern State at 4 p.m.
Southwestern Oklahoma State vs. Midwestern State at 6 p.m.
 
Sunday, February 8
Southern Nazarene vs. Upper Iowa at 10 a.m.
Southern Nazarene vs. Upper Iowa at 12 p.m.
Midwestern State vs. Rogers State at 2 p.m.
Southwestern Oklahoma State vs. Midwestern State at 4 p.m.
Southwestern Oklahoma State vs. Rogers State at 6 p.m.
 
REMAINING NON-CONFERENCE SLATE
The Hillcats will compete in the Tahlequah Softball Festival, hosted by the City of Tahlequah, on Feb. 12-13. RSU will begin the four-game invitational against Oklahoma Baptist and East Central on Thursday and will wrap up play on Friday with matchups against Southern Arkansas and Southwestern Oklahoma State. All four games are critical in-region contests that play a significant role in regional seeding for the postseason.
 
On playing in-region, Vaughan remarked, "You know, every team you face in a region will provide a good test, and those region games are important for ranking. I hope to instill in our team the significance of winning these regional games. They are essential for the strength of schedule, which comes into play during the postseason when trying to secure a bid if we don't win the conference tournament. All of these factors in, and again, I hope we can come out on top against those teams to help us as we move toward the playoffs."
 
Following that, RSU will participate in the Top Gun Midwest College Classic from Feb. 28 to March 1 in Shawnee, Kansas. The tournament will kick off with a top-25 clash against No. 9 Augustana (S.D.). RSU secured its first win in three meetings against Augustana, winning 4-2 last season in Kansas City. The Hillcats will also face Maryville (Mo.), Minnesota Duluth and Truman State (Mo.) during the invite.
 
Before heading to Shawnee, the Hillcats will host doubleheaders against No. 25 Oklahoma Christian on Feb. 17 and Missouri S&T on Feb. 25. Additionally, the Cats will host Texas Woman's on March 10 and Harding (Ark.) on April 14.
 
Additionally, RSU will head to Russellville, Arkansas, to take on Arkansas Tech on April 21 and Ouachita Baptist on April 22, both of which are in-region programs. The non-conference schedule will wrap up with a doubleheader against Drury (Mo.) on April 29 in Springfield, Missouri.
 
MIAA AT A GLANCE
Rogers State, which finished third in the 2025 regular-season standings and second in the MIAA Tournament, was selected to finish fourth in the MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll, earning 111 points and receiving one first-place vote.
 
"I think it's going to be an interesting year," Vaughan said about the MIAA. "You may see some teams emerge in the mix, and I believe it's anyone's to grab this year.
 
A lot of teams have experienced turnover, including us. I believe Pitt State will be a powerhouse, and Missouri Southern will be strong as well. There are some big question marks regarding the competition. It will be competitive, as it always is, because of the talented coaches in place. They do a great job recruiting, so you know they'll be good.
 
This year will bring many new faces, which will change scouting since there isn't much to reference from previous years. There are just big questions about who will step up and take it this year."
 
Pittsburg State is favored to win the league, followed by defending regular-season and tournament champions, No. 11 Central Oklahoma and Missouri Southern.
 
MIAA play begins on the road for Rogers State against Emporia State in Emporia, Kansas, on March 13, followed by a doubleheader against Washburn in Topeka, Kansas, the next day. The Hillcats will also travel to Pittsburg, Kansas, to face the Gorillas on April 3 and to Warrensburg, Missouri, to face the UCM Jennies on April 4. Road play concludes against No. 24 Missouri Southern in Joplin, Missouri, on April 18.
 
The opening weekend of MIAA home games is scheduled for March 20 against Northwest Missouri State and March 21 against Missouri Western. Additional home doubleheaders include matchups with in-state rival No. 11 Central Oklahoma on March 27, Newman on March 28, Nebraska-Kearney on April 10, Fort Hays State on April 11, and rival Northeastern State on May 2, which will also be Senior Day.
 
Postseason action will commence with the MIAA Tournament from May 6-10 in Emporia, Kansas.
 
MEET THE HILLCATS: PITCHERS
Senior Harley Culie will be the ace for the Hillcats after an impressive 2025 campaign, earning All-MIAA Second Team honors. The Peggs, Oklahoma, native appeared in 33 games with 20 starts, which included 13 complete games and two shutouts (one combined) last season. The right-hander posted an 18-6 record (four saves), a 2.74 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP across 163.1 innings. Culie finished the season with 129 strikeouts, including a career-high 15 against Washburn.
 
"We're looking to Harlie to lead the charge this year, and she's excited about it," Vaughan said about Culie. "I truly believe this will be her best year yet. Every year, she has gotten better and better. She's one of the hardest-working pitchers I've ever coached and a great teammate as well. It's always been about the team for her, not just herself. This year, she is stepping into the biggest role she's ever had, and she's excited and looking great, ready to go."
 
Kinsley Hill aims to make a significant impact in her freshman year with the softball program. The right-handed pitcher comes to the team after a standout career at Dale High School, where she received all-state recognition. During her tenure with the Pirates, Hill helped lead the team to OSSAA Class 2A Fastpitch state championships in 2023 and 2024.
 
"I look to her [Hill] to have some really great outings for us," Vaughan stated about the true freshman. "She spins the ball really well. She's got a great rise ball, a great screwball and she just puts a lot of spin on the ball that we love to see."
 
Raylin Morgan is another returner who looks to have a breakout season for the Hillcats in the circle. The sophomore appeared in two games last season, scoring a run and stealing a base against Northeastern State. Morgan may also play the two-position player role with potential playing time in the outfield.
 
"Raylin didn't get any time last year, but she has improved drastically. She had a really, really great fall, and she has worked really hard the past couple of months," Vaughan said about the Haskell, Oklahoma, native. "She is going to come in and try to help us in the circle. She's very east-to-west movement with a great change-up."
 
Erica Ross, a sophomore right-handed pitcher, joins the Hillcats after playing at Three Rivers College. The native of St. Albert, Canada, appeared in 23 games and made 22 starts, including seven complete games, finishing with an 11-7 record. Over the course of 107.2 innings, Ross posted a 3.19 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP, along with 74 strikeouts. At the plate, she had a .204 batting average, recording 11 hits—one home run and one double—while driving in six runs and drawing five walks.
 
"She [Ross] is completely different from anyone else on staff. I'm very excited to see how she will translate," Vaughan commented on the Canadian transfer. "She throws in the lower 60s, but she's the first true drop ball pitcher that I've had. We have trouble off of her, and with the depth that we have this year, that's saying something." Vaughan added, "She's not going to be a high strikeout pitcher, but our defense is probably the best defensive team I've ever coached, and that speaks volumes. Her job is just to give us ground balls, and she's excited about that role. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out."
 
Junior right-handed pitcher Selena Zuniga joins the team from NCAA Division I Bellarmine. While playing for the Knights, she helped lead the team to a 2022 Sunkist League championship and earned First Team All-League honors in 2023. Zuniga was also named the MVP pitcher of the Arrowhead Athletic Conference and was a CIF-SS finalist. She played a key role in the Knights' success during the 2023 California Regional Softball Championships, finishing the season with a record of 23-7 and an undefeated 8-0 in league play.
 
"I added Selena Zuniga at semester break," Vaughan said about the Grand Terrace, California, native. "She is still working her way in, but her uniqueness is that she's got an incredible change-up. I think it is going to be a real difference-maker for our staff."
 
Meleia Ingram, a sophomore right-handed pitcher transferring from Barton Community College, will redshirt this season. During her time with the Cougars, she earned Academic All-American honors, was named KJCC Pitcher of the Year and recognized as a first-team all-conference pitcher. Ingram also received Pitcher of the Week honors three times from the KJCC.

MEET THE HILLCATS: CATCHERS
Sophomore Saylor Brown is next in line to take over the starting catcher role, with All-American Abbey Rogers graduating last spring. In her first season representing the Red and Navy, Brown played a crucial role as a backup catcher, appearing in 34 games (22 starts). The Haskell, Oklahoma, native slashed .200/.316/.292 with 13 hits, 12 RBIs, nine walks and five runs in 65 plate appearances. She added four extra-base hits, including three doubles and a home run against Newman, where she went a season-best 4-for-4.
 
"Last year, we were grooming Saylor to step into the starter role. She got quite a bit of catching time last year before we hit the postseason," Vaughan commented on Brown. "As far as an arm throwing down to second, probably the best arm I've ever had behind the plate. She's a great leader, frames well, blocks well and is going to really shut down the run game."
 
Freshman catcher Emma Young, a graduate of Verdigris High School, had an impressive high school career, earning all-district, all-region and all-state honors. She also achieved a .425 batting average for the Cardinals.
 
"Emma Young is also someone who will see time at catcher," Vaughan stated on Young. "She's a freshman who had a great fall. I looked at her to help back there."
 
Chloe Cardona, a junior utility player from Butler Community College, is set to contribute as a catcher. The Fort Worth, Texas native recorded a .375 batting average and received honorable mention accolades while playing for the Grizzlies.
 
"Chloe Cardona is someone who we could see getting time at catcher when she's not playing in the infield," Vaughan mentioned about the transfer.
 
MEET THE HILLCATS: INFIELDERS
Jaden Jordan, a junior infielder who transferred to Hill from Labette Community College, will serve as the starting first baseman. In 2024, she was named the Female Athlete of the Year and received Second Team All-Conference honors, followed by First Team All-Conference recognition in 2025 for the Cardinals.
 
"We will look to play Jaden Jordan over at first base for the bulk of the innings," Vaughan commented on the former Sand Springs Sandite. "She's the tallest first baseman I've ever had, which makes a difference in that position. She moves well and has excellent skills. Her range is impressive, expanding the margin of error for our infielders."
 
Young, who is the backup catcher, might also see time at first base as well.
 
Junior Baylee King, who transferred from Ouachita Baptist, has been named the starter at second base. While at OBU, she earned All-GAC Second Team honors and received the NFCA Rawlings Gold Glove award. King posted a batting average of .327, tallying 33 runs and 54 hits. Her offensive performance included nine doubles, two triples and 21 RBIs, along with 10 stolen bases.
 
"Baylee King is going to be our everyday second base move," Vaughan commented on the Miami, Oklahoma, native. "We look for her to have a really good season with us this year." 
 
Claremore native and freshman infielder Halle Bucktrot will vie for playing time in the middle infield and outfield. At CHS, she earned all-district honors while lettering in softball for the Zebras.
 
"Halle Bucktrot is a freshman who could see some innings at second," Vaughan said about Bucktrot. "She's incredible, so she will maybe bounce as backup shortstop or middle and could bounce from there to the outfield."
 
Junior Mariah Belzer will return as the starting shortstop for the Hillcats this season after starting all 54 games last season. The Ankeny, Iowa, native finished 2025 with a slash line of .247/.312/.383 with 38 hits, 27 runs, 21 RBIs, 13 walks and five stolen bases. She added 11 extra-base hits with seven doubles, four homers and a triple. In the field, Belzer collected a .911 fielding percentage with 59 putouts, 85 assists and 14 errors.
 
"Mariah Belzer is going to return to shortstop for us this season," Vaughan said about the junior. "We are excited to have her back and look forward to seeing what she can do at the plate and in the field this season."
 
Cardona is going to be the starter at third for the Hillcats. At Butler Community College, she fielded .938 with 65 putouts, 25 assists and only two errors, while also turning three double plays.
 
MEET THE HILLCATS: OUTFIELDERS
Raelle Gorman, a senior outfielder who transferred from Pace, is going to be a key piece in the outfield. She made a notable impact on the Setters softball team during her three seasons, including a trip to the NCAA Division II World Series. In the 2025 season, she played in 59 games with a batting line of .281/.358/.401, contributing 26 RBIs and scoring 33 runs, while maintaining a .989 fielding percentage. Gorman received multiple accolades, including spots on the D2CCA All-East Region Second Team and the NFCA All-Region Second Team. In the 2024 season, she achieved a batting average of .326. In her freshman year, she appeared in 32 games, starting 24, finishing with a .232 batting average.
 
"Raelle Gorman been a really, really great edition," Vaughan said about the Temecula, California, native. She had a really good career at Pace, which made the College World Series last year, and we look forward to what she does for us this season."
 
Freshman outfielder Taelynn Ballinger joins the program from right down the road in Verdigris, Oklahoma. She earned multiple honors at the high school level, including all-district, all-region and all-state accolades with the Cardinals. Ballinger was also named on the PNTV Top-12 list for the Tulsa World. She recorded an impressive .454 batting average and a .522 on-base percentage, along with 98 stolen bases.
 
Rylee Bush, an incoming freshman utility player from Tahlequah Sequoyah High School, was recognized as a Native American All-State Fastpitch selection and earned all-district honors four times while playing for the Indians.
 
Junior outfielder Aaliyah Gaboriault transferred to RSU from Western Oregon. While playing for the Wolves, she received GNAC Honorable Mention Utility recognition in 2025. Over two seasons, Gaboriault participated in 70 games with 66 starts, achieving a .251 batting average, a .323 on-base percentage and a .274 slugging percentage. In 175 plate appearances, she tallied 44 hits, scored 33 runs, recorded 18 stolen bases, drew 18 walks, and registered 16 RBIs.
 
Freshman utility player and outfielder Mattie Large joins the Hillcat softball team after a notable career at Sperry High School. At SHS, Large was a standout athlete, earning all-district honors three times and receiving all-region recognition while playing for the Pirates.
 
Ava Ramos, a junior utility/outfielder transfer, joins the program from St. Johns River State College. She earned recognition on the President's List for 2024 and 2025 and was named to the FCSAA Sun Lake Conference All-Academic Team in both years. Additionally, she received second-team honors in the FCSAA Sun Lake Conference in 2025 and was part of the 2024 NJCAA Division II National Championship team. During her time with the Vikings, Ramos recorded a .419 batting average and a .494 on-base percentage.
 
Karlee Smith returns to the outfield after seeing valuable playing time in 2025. The Moore, Oklahoma, native appeared in 31 games with 18 starts, where she slashed .178/.255/.244 in 45 plate appearances. Smith tallied eight hits, including three doubles, drove in three runners, drew five walks and stole three bases.
 
"In the outfield, we have all underclassmen besides Raelle who are going to see action," Vaughan stated about the outfield rotation. "We have a lot of great outfielders, so many girls are going to get early opportunities. Then we'll see how it settles."
 
FINAL WORDS FROM COACH VAUGHAN
"As far as this team goes, they're as talented as any team I've ever had. The way they are together—their chemistry and togetherness—will pay huge dividends and give them a chance to win another championship," Vaughan remarked. "This year, our crowds will be really big. We have a lot of local players, and I'm excited to see a packed house for the girls to play in front of."