GULF SHORES, Ala. — No. 18 Rogers State softball (3-2) went 2-0 on the final day of the Gulf Shores Invitational, securing a 2-0 victory over Union University (0-3) followed by an 8-5 win against Spring Hill College (2-3).
GAME 1: RSU 2, UNION 0
In the first game against Union, senior pitcher
Harley Culie (1-2) delivered a standout performance, throwing a complete-game shutout with only one hit allowed. Culie added a season-high eight strikeouts, bringing her season total to 22 at the conclusion of the invite.
After a scoreless first four innings characterized by strong defensive plays from both teams, RSU broke the deadlock in the fifth.
Mariah Belzer reached base on an error, and
Halle Bucktrot's single advanced her into scoring position.
Karlee Smith drove in the first run with a single to the pitcher, and Bucktrot scored on a subsequent throwing error, giving RSU a 2-0 lead.
Union struggled to respond, as the Hillcat defense held them without a hit for the remainder of the contest to claim the two-run victory.
Saylor Brown recorded two hits and showcased her defensive skills by catching a runner stealing. Belzer contributed a hit and a run scored while playing a flawless game at shortstop. Bucktrot also made her mark with a hit and a run scored.
RSU finished the game with seven hits and did not commit any errors, unlike the Bulldogs, who had three.
GAME 2: RSU 8, SHC 5
In their second matchup of the day against Spring Hill, RSU opened the scoring in the second inning when
Rylee Bush crossed the plate on a throwing error, putting the Hillcats up 1-0. They then exploded for four runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by
Jaden Jordan's 2-RBI double to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Spring Hill fought back, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fourth and another three in the fifth, narrowing the score to 6-5. However, RSU answered back in the seventh, adding two insurance runs thanks to a wild pitch and a crucial single by Belzer, sealing the victory at 8-5.
Kinsley Hill pitched three innings, allowing two hits and one earned run while striking out one.
Erica Ross (1-0) pitched in relief for the final four innings, giving up five hits and one earned run as well, striking out one in the process.
Raylin Morgan led the offense with three hits, including two doubles and scored a run. Belzer had two hits and two RBIs, while Jordan added a double and two RBIs. Bush also shined with two hits and two runs scored.
A shortage of hitting was not an issue in this one, with RSU collecting 10 and SHC tallying seven. The two teams also combined for eight errors, with the RSU having five.
NEXT UP
The Hillcats will return to play next Saturday and Sunday for the inaugural Rogers State Festival. Rogers State's home opener will take place Saturday at 10 a.m against Upper Iowa., followed by a matchup against Southern Nazarene at noon at the RCB Bank Sports Complex.
