CLAREMORE, Okla. — No. 18 Rogers State (16-6) split a doubleheader against Texas Woman's (10-12) at RCB Bank Sports Complex on Wednesday, securing a 3-0 victory in the opening game before falling 1-0 in the nightcap.

GAME ONE: RSU 3, TWU 0
In the first game, senior pitcher Harley Culie  (8-3) delivered a strong performance, striking out nine batters and allowing only three hits in a complete-game shutout, her fourth of the season. Culie collected her eighth win of the season in her 15th appearance (12th start) for the Red and Navy. 

After four scoreless frames to open the game, RSU broke the deadlock in the fifth. Saylor Brown walked, and Taelynn Ballinger entered as a pinch runner. Rylee Bush followed with another walk, advancing Ballinger to second. Halle Bucktrot executed a sacrifice bunt, moving the runners to second and third. Karlee Smith then added a sacrifice bunt RBI, allowing Ballinger to score the first run. 

Later in the fifth, Emma Young, appearing as a pinch hitter, walked, and Baylee King re-entered to run. King and Bush executed a double-steal to perfection, allowing Bush to cross the plate for the Cats' second run. Chloe Cardona capped the inning with an RBI single down the right field line, bringing King home. The inning concluded with the Hillcats leading 3-0. The Pioneers were unable to respond in the subsequent innings due to Culie's gem in the circle, as RSU held on for the shutout victory. 

Both teams collected three hits. Cardona shined with a 2-3 outing at the plate, which included an RBI. 

RSU: 0, TWU 1 (8 Innings)
In the second game, the Hillcats dropped a closely contested matchup against the Pioneers that extended into extra innings. 

Neither team could find the scoring column in the first seven innings. In the eighth inning, Texas Woman's broke the deadlock. Marissa Espinoza singled and later scored on a single by Hawwa Townsend, aided by an RSU fielding error. This run proved decisive as RSU could not respond in the bottom of the eighth, falling 1-0 and being shutout for the first time this season. 

Kinsley Hill pitched 2.1 innings in the second game, allowing no earned runs while giving up three hits and striking out one. Erica Ross (2-2) took over, pitching 5.2 solid innings and allowing one earned run on four hits with one strikeout.

Jaden Jordan and Karley Smith's doubles highlighted the Hillcats five hits in the game. 

Errors also played a role, as RSU committed a pair in the crucial eighth inning, while TWU fielded a perfect game. 

NEXT UP
RSU will return to action on Friday for the MIAA opener against Emporia State. First pitch of the doubleheader from the Trusler Sports Complex is slated for 2 p.m.