JOPLIN, Mo. – No. 3-seed Rogers State softball (43-13) fell 5-0 in their first game of the NCAA Central Regional to No. 6-seed Southern Arkansas (42-13) on Thursday.
 
This was a pitcher's duel from the outset as both starters worked scoreless frames to open the game.
 
The Muleriders jumped on the board in the second with a 4-0 lead. A RBI single up the middle brought in the game's first run. A bases clearing double to right scored the other three runs.
 
Over the next three innings, both starters refused to give up a run and combined to scatter a total of two hits.
 
SAU tacked on one final run in the top of the sixth to go up 5-0 thanks to a sacrifice fly to center.
 
The Hillcats best opportunity to score came in the home half of sixth as Nicole Price beat out an infield single to led off the frame. Bridgett Morales then earned a 3-1 walk to put two runners on with no outs. Unfortunately, a fly out to center and a 4-6-3 double play ended the threat.
 
Sydney Ward (22-6) earned the win. Jade Sanders (16-7) took the loss.
 
The Hillcats will look to rebound tomorrow as they face off against No. 7-seed Minnesota Duluth in an elimination game. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.