TOPEKA, Kan. — No. 18 Rogers State softball (17-9, 1-3 MIAA) faced off against Washburn (24-9, 1-3 MIAA) in a doubleheader on Saturday, resulting in a split at Gahnstrom Field.
GAME ONE: RSU 0, WU 6
In the first game, RSU fell to Washburn, 6-0. Despite collecting six hits, including two doubles, the Hillcats were unable to convert any into runs.
The game saw Washburn take an early lead in the first inning, with Makenzie Sais singling and stealing second to set up Aspen Burgardt's two-RBI double to right center. Kate Dolan's single up the middle extended the lead to 3-0. Washburn added another run in the third inning when Dalaney Anderson singled, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on Kate Ediger's single, making it 4-0.
In the fifth inning, a throwing error allowed Washburn to capitalize further, as Dolan doubled and later scored on Ediger's single, bringing the score to 5-0. The sixth inning concluded the scoring with Sais scoring on Kierra Goos's groundout, finalizing the score at 6-0 in favor of the Ichabods.
Harley Culie (8-5) pitched for 5.0 innings, allowing 11 hits and four earned runs while striking out three batters and walking one. Culie threw 105 pitches, with 63 strikes.
Erica Ross entered in relief for 1.0 inning, giving up one hit and one earned run, while striking out one and issuing one walk.
Jaden Jordan and
Mariah Belzer each recorded two hits. Additionally, Jordan and
Karlee Smith both tallied doubles.
GAME TWO: RSU 2, WU 0
In the second game, RSU bounced back to secure a 2-0 victory over Washburn for their first MIAA win, with both runs scored in the fourth inning.
Chloe Cardona opened the scoring with her first home run of the season to left field, followed by Jordan's (4) solo shot to right center, extending the lead to 2-0. RSU's pitching and defense held Washburn scoreless throughout the game, as the Ichabods left multiple runners on base in key situations.
Kinsley Hill delivered a solid performance in the circle in the no-decision, pitching 3.1 innings without allowing an earned run. The freshman faced 16 batters and surrendered four hits and two walks while striking out one. Culie (9-5) took over in relief, pitching 3.2 innings, striking out four batters, and allowing just three hits and two walks to claim the win. The senior has now appeared in 18 games this season.
Cardona posted two hits, including a home run, driving in one run and scoring once. Jordan also contributed with her fourth homer of the season.
UP NEXT
RSU will return to action on Friday for the MIAA home-opener against Northwest Missouri State at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
