TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - No. 15 Rogers State softball (35-12, 16-8) took down archrival Northeastern State (15-33, 8-16) in their final games of the regular season.

"I'm extremely proud of this group for finishing strong in a tough conference," head softball coach Andrea Vaughn said. "Now it's time to reset and focus our attention on bringing home another conference championship."

GAME 1 – RSU 6, NSU 2

The Hillcats were the first to strike in game one with Abbey Rogers doubling down the left field line to score Kaylee Lyon from first to take on 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning.

The Riverhawks responded by putting two runs across home in the bottom of the third to take a 2-1 lead. The Hillcat defense and pitching would not allow another Riverhawk to cross home plate.

In the top of the sixth inning, McKayla Carney led off for the Hillcats, reaching first base on a walk. A sacrifice bunt from Rogers advanced Carney to second. Callie Yellin then stepped to the plate and singled, putting runners on the corners for the Hillcats. Chloe Bohuslavicky came up to bat next and hit a three-run home run to center field to give the Hillcats a 4-2 lead.

In the top of the seventh inning, the Hillcats added two more runs to their lead after Brooke Nauman hit a two-run home run to score Savannah Evans, giving the Hillcats a 6-2 lead and securing the win.

Harley Culie (16-5) pitched 4.2 innings, only giving up one hit and striking out four batters. Gracie Turner (5-8) received the loss.

GAME 2 - RSU 6, NSU 1
After starting the game with three scoreless innings, the Riverhawks struck first, putting their one and only run across the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning.

In the top of the fifth inning, Brooke Nauman led off with a single to left field. Nauman then advanced to second after a sacrifice bunt by Kaylee Lyon and then to third with McKayla Carney grounding out. Abbey Rogers advanced Nauman across home plate with a single, making the score 1-1 after five innings of play.

After a stagnant sixth inning, the Hillcat offense came to life in the top of the seventh inning, putting five runs across home plate. After two errors by the Riverhawks and a single by Carney, the Hillcats had the bases loaded. Callie Yellin hit a single through the left side, scoring two runs and giving the Hillcats their first lead of the game, 3-1.

Chloe Bohuslavicky then singled to put another run across the plate for the Hillcats. A passed ball by the Riverhawks allowed Yellin to cross home plate and take a 5-1 lead. Bridget Morales put the final run across the plate for the Hillcats, hitting a double to score Raylin Morgan and take the 6-1 win.

Harley Culie (17-5) earned her second win of the day, pitching all seven innings and striking out four batters. Korynn Tindel (2-8) received the loss.

The Hillcats will now prepare for the MIAA tournament hosted by Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas. The tournament is set to start on Wednesday, April 30^th.