GULF SHORES, Ala. — No. 18 Rogers State softball (1-2) dropped the final game of Friday's triple-header to Florida Tech (2-1) by a score of 3-2 at the Gulf Shores Invitational. 

RSU managed six hits and scored in the third and seventh innings, but was ultimately unable to overcome the Panthers' early lead, which was bolstered by a 2-Run home run.

Rogers State started the game with Baylee King singling to left field and advancing to third, but the inning concluded without a score. Florida Tech took an early 1-0 lead with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning.

In the third, the Hillcats responded as King singled and eventually scored on an error by the Panthers, tying the game at 1-1. However, Florida Tech regained momentum with a two-run homer by Miranda Schwartz, pushing the score to 3-1.

The seventh inning saw the Cats' make a late push. Rylee Bush doubled and was driven in by King's single, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Despite the effort, the Panthers maintained their lead and secured the victory with a final score of 3-2.

Harley Culie (0-2) pitched a complete game, delivering six innings while allowing six hits and three runs. Culie matched her game one total with seven strikeouts and walked only one batter. 

King went 4-4 with an RBI while scoring a run and stealing a base. Bush contributed with a double and scored a run, finishing the game with one hit. 

The Hillcats will return to the Gulf Shores Invitational against Union (Tenn.) on Sunday at 10 a.m.