GULF SHORES, Ala. — No. 18 Rogers State softball (0-1) fell 5-1 to Montevallo (1-0) in the opening game of the Gulf Shores Invitational on Friday.
Montevallo took an early lead in the first inning with a two-run homer by Bentlee Stiner, followed by a solo home run from Ariana Pinder, putting them ahead 3-0. RSU was unable to respond in the bottom of the inning, going down in order with three consecutive strikeouts. The Falcons extended their lead in the fourth inning with Emma Hawkins delivering a two-RBI single, bringing the score to 5-0.
RSU got on the board in the sixth inning when
Karlee Smith singled to left field, driving in
Baylee King, but the deficit remained 5-1. Despite a double by
Raylin Morgan in the seventh inning, the Cats could not close the gap, resulting in a 5-1 victory for Montevallo.
Harley Culie (0-1) pitched four innings, allowing five earned runs on four hits, while striking out seven and walking three.
Erica Ross entered in relief, delivering a strong performance over three innings, giving up just 1 hit and striking out six batters without issuing any walks.
Jaden Jordan led the team with two hits in three at-bats, posting an OPS of 1.333. Smith contributed with one hit and an RBI. Morgan added a pinch-hit double to earn the Hillcats lone extra-base hit.
RSU will return to action against Valdosta State at approximately 1:40 p.m.
