JOPLIN, Mo. – No. 2 Rogers State softball (23-6, 2-4 MIAA) came up short in both games of the doubleheader against Missouri Southern (21-7, 7-1 MIAA) on Sunday.
 
GAME 1 – MSSU 6, RSU 3
 
The first game of the day saw the Hillcats jump out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. Chelsea Spain led off the game with a first pitch single down the left field line. Paxton Donaldson moved her to second with a sacrifice bunt to the third baseman. A Bridgett Morales double to left center brought in Spain. Lana Gass drove in Morales with a single to right.
 
The Lions exploded for six runs in the bottom of the second to take a 6-2 lead. Four of the runs came in on three RBI singles with two runs scoring on a double to center.
 
RSU got a run back in the top of the fifth to cut the deficit to 6-3. Ashtyn Barrett led off the frame with a double to right and was replaced on the bases by a re-entering Nicole Price. With two outs, Morales doubled to right to plate Price.
 
Avery Tallman (12-2) earned the win. Courtney Hill (0-1) took her first loss of the season.
 
GAME 2 – MSSU 4, RSU 0
 
In the second game, it was the Lions who struck first with a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The run scored from third on a fielder's choice.
 
They tacked on three more runs in the third to go up 4-0. The first run scored by stealing home. A RBI double to left center scored the second run with the a single to right center bringing in the final run.
 
Over the remaining four innings, neither pitching staff allowed a run and scattered six hits while stranding eight runners on base.
 
The Hillcats best opportunity to score came in the top of the sixth as Abbey Rogers doubled through the left side of the infield with one out and was pinch run for by Marissa Smith. Jaylan Gibson singled through the right side of the infield to put runners on the corners. Unfortunately, a strike out and a fly out to left center ended the scoring threat.
 
Bailey Lacy (6-0) earned the complete game shutout win. Jade Sanders (7-2) took the loss.
 
The Hillcats will stay on the road as they travel to Jefferson City, Mo. on Friday, March 31 for a doubleheader against Lincoln. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.