CLAREMORE, Okla. – The Rogers State softball team was able to split a doubleheader conference showdown with No. 6-ranked Lubbock Christian Thursday evening at the Hillcat Complex.
The Hillcats dropped the opening game 5-0 as coach Mark Dicus' squad was held to just two hits. In the nightcap the Hillcat bats came alive as RSU recorded seven hits resulting in the 3-2 victory for the home team.
GAME ONE
RSU held the high ranked Lady Chaps scoreless through the opening two innings before LCU tallied three runs in the top of the third inning. The first run came on a RBI single by Sarah Mendez to right center. Two more runs were plated later in the inning as Andrea Argee singled to centerfield for two RBI and the 3-0 advantage for LCU.
In the top of the fifth, Brittany Kent led off with a single down the left field line and eventually scored on an Argee double to deep right-centerfield. Latainna Eltsosie brought in a run the next at bat on a single through the hole at shortstop to push the score to its final mark of 5-0.
The Hillcats were limited to two hits in the contest as Mendez (13-1) registered the win for the Lady Chaps. Mendez went the complete game fanning eight and walking one in just 84 pitches.
Laura Fleck (23-9) received the loss for the Cats allowing five earned runs on eight hits while allowing six to reach on walks.
GAME TWO
The third inning proved to be the Lady Chaps time to post runs on the board as LCU took a 2-0 advantage in the visitor's half of the third inning. Argee hit a two-run shot over the left field fence after just one pitch earlier taking a strike while attempting to call time.
RSU answered in the home half of the third as Kaitlin McCool lined a single back to the pitching circle and stole second as the ball returned to the pitcher. McCool moved to third on a wild pitch by Amanda Longorio giving RSU a runner in scoring position. Ashlie Fauchier's single right back toward the pitcher scored McCool and trimmed the Lady Chaps lead to 2-1. The Cats weren't finished as Fauchier and Shona Guerrero plated runs on a Linsey Curtis two RBI single to right-center gave RSU the 3-2 lead.
The Cats were able to hold the Lady Chaps without a hit over the final four innings and register the 3-2 victory.
Laura Fleck (24-9) recorded the complete game win for the Hillcats allowing two earned runs on seven hits and issuing two walks.
Amanda Longorio (11-3) received the loss for LCU, giving up three earned runs on seven hits and striking out two with just one walk. Mendez pitched three innings in relief and fanned seven batters.
Rogers State (32-11, 5-7) returns to action on Tuesday, April 17 versus Southern Nazarene at the Hillcat Complex. First pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. Live audio streaming will be provided at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.
