CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State softball (20-10, 4-4 MIAA) collected its first MIAA series victory of the season on Saturday in a doubleheader against Missouri Western (21-8, 2-4 MIAA) at the RCB Bank Sports Complex, securing a 10–6 victory in the first game and a 2-0 win in the second.
 
GAME 1: RSU 10, MoWest 6
In the first game, RSU capitalized on three errors by the Griffons and drew 12 walks to fuel its offensive output. Both teams scored three runs in the first inning; Ashlyn Finarty's three-run homer was the key play for the Griffons, while the Hillcats responded with Mariah Belzer's run scored on a passed ball, a sacrifice fly by Saylor Brow and a bases-loaded walk to Karlee Smith. The score was tied 3–3 after the first inning.
 
Missouri Western took the lead in the second inning with a solo home run by Sarah Swallow, making it 4–3. The fourth inning saw both teams adding to their totals, with Swallow homering again for the Griffons. RSU capitalized on errors, tying the game at 5–5 with runs from Smith on a throwing error and Baylee King on a wild pitch.
 
The Hillcats gained momentum in the fifth inning as Brown broke the no-hitter with a lead-off double, and pinch runner Taelynn Ballinger scored on Rylee Bush's single. Smith then doubled in Bush, and King singled to bring Smith home, making it 8–5. In the sixth inning, the Griffons scored one run on a bases-loaded walk, but RSU countered with two more. Aaliyah Gaboriault scored on a walk, and Brown scored on a fielder's choice, extending the lead to 10–6. RSU held Missouri Western scoreless in the seventh inning to secure the victory.
 
Harley Culie (10-6) pitched a complete game, allowing eight hits and six earned runs. The senior ace struck out five batters while walking five, throwing a total of 149 pitches with 87 strikes. Karlee Smith led the Cats' lineup with two runs scored and three RBIs, including a double.
 
At the plate, Brown added one run and one RBI, hitting a double and a sacrifice fly. Smith added the second extra-base hit with a double and led the team with three RBIs. Bush also contributed strongly with a pair of walks, a run, an RBI and a stolen base.
 
GAME 2: RSU 2, MoWest 0
In the second game, freshman Kinsley Hill (7-1) delivered her second straight complete game shutout, allowing just two hits while striking out seven.
 
The game remained scoreless through the first three innings, with both teams unable to capitalize on their opportunities. In the fourth inning, Raylin Morgan led off with a double down the left-field line, and Raelle Gorman came in as a pinch runner. Jaden Jordan (5) then hit a crucial two-run homer down the right-field line, bringing Gorman home and giving the Hillcats a 2-0 lead.
 
The remaining innings saw RSU maintain its lead through solid defense and pitching. MoWest made it interesting in the seventh with runners on first and second, but Hill shut them down to secure the two-run victory.
 
Hill's standout performance in the circle included issuing just two walks while striking out seven batters over 7.0 innings. She faced 25 batters, finishing with a WHIP of 0.57, effectively controlling the game with 11 flyouts and three groundouts.
 
Jordan delivered a powerful performance, hitting her fifth home run of the season and collecting two RBIs, while Morgan made an impact with a double. Bush contributed to the offense with a hit and a walk.
 
UP NEXT
The Hillcats will host rival No. 17 Central Oklahoma next Friday with a key MIAA doubleheader at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the RCB Bank Sports Complex.