PITTSBURG, Kan. - (RV) Hillcat Softball (25-11, 9-5 MIAA) split a doubleheader on Friday against No. 4 Pittsburg State (35-2, 9-1 MIAA) at the Pittsburg State Softball Fields. This marked the Hillcats' fifth-ranked win of the season - the highest-ranked of the season.
 
GAME ONE: RSU 8, PSU 6
Sophomore Erica Ross tied the single-season saves record as the Hillcats edged out the No. 4 Gorillas, 8–6, in the doubleheader opener on Friday. RSU extended its win streak to eight straight with the victory.
 
After surrendering the first run in the bottom of the first, Jaden Jordan put the Hillcats on the board in the second inning with her team-leading seventh home run to center field. Pittsburg State responded with a solo homer by Haili Igou to go back ahead 2–1.
 
RSU took the lead in the fourth inning. Taelynn Ballinger, pinch running for Jordan, scored on a single by Saylor Brown, who advanced to second on a fielding error. Rylee Bush also scored on a sacrifice fly by Karlee Smith. At the end of four innings, the Hillcats led 3–2.
 
The fifth inning was eventful for both teams. Baylee King was hit by a pitch, and Mariah Belzer and Chloe Cardona both reached base, setting the stage for Jordan to single in King. Bush was hit by a pitch, scoring Belzer. Brown's single brought in Raylin Morgan, and Smith's single scored Jordan. Pittsburg State matched RSU with four runs in the bottom half of the inning, making the score 7–6 in favor of the Hillcats after five innings.
 
In the seventh inning, Raelle Gorman doubled and later scored on a steal of home, providing an insurance run for RSU.
 
Ross closed the show with three scoreless innings of work to pick up her historic fifth save of the season. 
 
Harley Culie (13-6) pitched 4.0 innings in her 19th start of the season, allowing six earned runs on six hits, while walking four and striking out two. Ross (5) provided solid relief, pitching 3.0 innings without allowing an earned run. Ross gave up five hits, issued two walks and registered two strikeouts over 57 pitches.
 
Jordan finished with two runs, three hits and two RBIs, including a home run, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Belzer recorded two hits and scored a run. Smith collected two hits and two RBIs.
 
GAME TWO: PSU 5, RSU 1
RSU managed five hits, including a home run, but was unable to overcome the Gorillas' three home runs during the contest.
 
Belzer (3) opened the game for the Hillcats with a lead-off home run to center field, providing an early lead. Pittsburg State responded with a sacrifice fly by Kadyn Trochim that brought Heather Arnett home, tying the score at 1–1 after the first inning.
 
In the third inning, Pittsburg State took command as Trochim hit a two-run homer to left field, pushing the score to 3–1 in favor of the home team. The sixth inning saw the Gorillas extend their lead with back-to-back solo home runs by Lexi Davis and Sailor Hall, setting the score at 5–1. The final score was 5–1 in favor of Pittsburg State.
 
Kinsley Hill (9-2) pitched 5.0 innings, allowing seven hits and five earned runs. She struck out five batters and walked one over 95 pitches. Ross contributed 1.0 inning of relief, surrendering one hit and inducing two groundouts, including a double play, on just nine pitches.
 
Belzer hit a home run and recorded one RBI. Bush collected two hits in her three at-bats. King also tallied two hits, finishing with a perfect batting average for her two appearances. Hill pitched five innings, striking out five batters and allowing five earned runs.
 
UP NEXT
RSU will return to play tomorrow afternoon with a doubleheader in Warrensburg, Missouri, against Central Missouri. First pitch from the South Recreation Complex is slated for noon.