TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — No. 12 Rogers State University (10-3) split its final games at the Cherokee Nation Softball Festival on Friday, suffering a close 3-2 loss in extras to No. 11 Southern Arkansas (11-0) before bouncing back with a decisive 4-0 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State (2-7).
GAME ONE: #12 RSU 2, #11 SAU 3 (8 Innings)
In their first matchup against Southern Arkansas, Rogers State managed six hits, including a home run from Jaden Jordan, but the Muleriders capitalized on their four hits and two doubles to secure the victory in extra innings.
The Hillcats took an early lead when Baylee King hit a ground-rule double to right field, followed by Raylin Morgan's RBI single that brought King home.
In the fourth inning, the Muleriders tied the game with a series of hits, highlighted by an RBI double.
In the seventh inning, Jordan hit her first home run of the season, which briefly gave RSU the lead. However, the Muleriders responded in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single that pushed the game into extra innings. SAU went on to claim the 3-2 victory with an RBI double in the eighth inning.
Harley Culie delivered a strong performance on the mound, pitching four innings and allowing just two hits while striking out three batters. Erica Ross (0-1) provided relief, pitching three innings and recording two strikeouts, but was ultimately charged with her first loss of the season.
GAME TWO: #12 RSU 4, SWOSU 0
Rogers State secured a 4-0 victory in their rematch against Southwestern Oklahoma State, tallying 11 hits while maintaining control throughout the game to claim the second straight shutout against the Bulldogs.
The scoring began in the fourth inning when Mariah Belzer and Raelle Gorman capitalized on defensive miscues. Belzer stole home, and Gorman scored on a single by Jordan, giving RSU a 2-0 lead.
In the seventh inning, the Hillcats extended their lead. Emma Young started with a single and was replaced by pinch runner Taelynn Ballinger, who later scored on a sacrifice fly by Morgan. King also scored after Saylor Brown doubled, putting the Hillcats ahead 4-0.
Kinsley Hill (5-0) delivered a strong performance for RSU, pitching four innings without allowing any runs. Hill faced 17 batters, giving up three hits and recording two strikeouts. Culie (1) provided solid relief, securing the save by pitching three innings, striking out three and allowing just one hit.
The Hillcats will return to the RCB Bank Sports Complex on Tuesday for a ranked match against in-state foe No. 14 Oklahoma Christian. The doubleheader is scheduled to start at 2 p.m.
