PITTSBURG, Kan. — In the Friday morning NCAA Division II Softball Central Regional Semifinal, Rogers State (37-20) narrowly fell to the No. 11 Central Oklahoma (44-13) with a final score of 4–3. RSU managed eight hits and scored all three of its runs in the later innings, including a two-run sixth inning, but it was not enough to overcome the Bronchos' four-run third inning.
In the third inning, Central Oklahoma took a decisive lead with a four-run surge. Rylee Lemos and Jenna Jobe each hit a two-run homer, bringing the score to 4–0 in favor of the Bronchos at the end of the inning.
In the fifth inning, the Hillcats got on the board when
Raelle Gorman singled, allowing
Halle Bucktrot to score, making it 4–1 Central Oklahoma after five innings.
RSU continued to close the gap in the sixth inning.
Taelynn Ballinger scored on a double by
Raylin Morgan, and
Saylor Brown crossed home on
Chloe Cardona's fielder's choice, narrowing the deficit to 4–3. This score held through the end of the sixth inning.
The seventh inning saw the Cats' get runners in scoring position, but they were unable to score, resulting in a final score of Central Oklahoma 4, RSU 3.
Kinsley Hill (13-7) pitched 5.0 innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits, while issuing four walks and striking out one batter. Hill threw 98 pitches, 61 of which were strikes, and was charged with the loss, bringing her record to 13-7.
Harley Culie entered the game in relief, pitching 1.0 inning, giving up two hits, and striking out one batter with 15 of her 20 pitches being strikes.
Brown recorded two hits and scored one run in the game. Bucktrot added two hits, crossing the plate once and drawing a walk. Morgan contributed with a double, driving in one run. Cardona collected one hit and one RBI, successfully executing a sacrifice hit as well.
RSU will face the winner of Winona State and No. 17 Pittsburg State this evening at 4:00 p.m.
