EMPORIA, Kan. — Rogers State Softball (36-19) dropped a heartbreaker to No. 7 Missouri Southern (48-7) with a final score of 4-1 in the MIAA Championship Game on Saturday at Trusler Stadium.
Following the game,
Harley Culie,
Mariah Belzer,
Saylor Brown,
Raelle Gorman and
Chloe Cardona were named to the 2026 MIAA Softball Championship All-Tournament Team. Missouri Southern pitcher Kiki Pickens was named the tournament MVP.
The game remained scoreless through the first three innings, with both teams displaying solid defensive plays.
In the fourth inning, the Lions broke the stalemate. Micah Snider, pinch running for Carsen Tinkler, scored on a sacrifice fly by Gianna Saggese, bringing the score to 1-0 in favor of the Lions.
RSU responded in the sixth inning. After
Baylee King reached on a hit by pitch and advanced on a wild pitch, Gorman reached on a fielding error, setting the stage for Brown, who was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, allowing Gorman to score an unearned run, tying the game at 1-1.
However, the Lions regained control in the seventh inning. Emily Perry hit a three-run walk-off homer to left center, solidifying the 4-1 victory and Southern's first MIAA Tournament title since 2001.
Culie (20-10) delivered in her 30th start of the season. The senior pitched a complete game for the Hillcats, working 6.1 innings while allowing four earned runs on six hits. Culie struck out seven batters. She threw 113 pitches and recorded 66 strikes.
Halle Bucktrot recorded one hit in the game, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Brown drove in one run and was hit by a pitch.
Taelynn Ballinger showcased her speed with one stolen base as a pinch runner.
The Hillcats will await their NCAA Tournament destination, with the NCAA Division II Softball Selection Show scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 9 a.m. CT. The RSU Athletics Department invites everyone to join us for a watch party on Monday morning at the DCTC Ballroom.
