Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Softball team hosted the Maryville University Saints in a nonconference matchup. In game one, the Lions jumped out to an early lead, shutting out the Saints and securing a 8-0 victory in five innings via the run rule. In game two, Maryville struck first, but Southern responded with a home run to take the lead and held on for a 4-3 win.
 
Missouri Southern (17-9, 3-1 MIAA) | Maryville (10-17, 2-2 GLVC)

Game one: Missouri Southern 8 | Maryville 0 – 5 innings
In the first inning, Southern took an early lead with Katie Gray doubling to center field, followed by a two-run homer by Emily Perry, bringing the score to 2-0.
 
The second inning saw the Lions extend their lead significantly. Peyton Hawkins singled and scored off Kylee Jacks' RBI single. Emily Perry continued the momentum with another RBI single. The inning was highlighted by Carsen Tinkler's three-RBI double to right center, bringing the score to 7-0.
 
Kylee Jacks scored on Maddie Rolfs' single, bringing the score to 8-0 in the third inning.
 
By the end of the fifth inning, Southern maintained their lead, with Lily Rand closing the game. The final score remained 8-0, as the Lions held the Saints to two hits over five innings.
 
Katie Gray led with three hits, including a double, and scored two runs. Emily Perry had two hits, including a home run and three RBIs. Carsen Tinkler also contributed two hits, one double, and three RBIs.
 
Kiki Pickens delivered a strong performance, pitching 3.0 innings without allowing a run, giving up only one hit, and striking out four batters. Lauren Fuller followed with an inning of relief, allowing one hit and one walk. Lily Rand closed the game, pitching a scoreless inning with three flyouts on only eight pitches.
 
Stats Tracker:

• Hits: Katie Gray (3), Emily Perry (2), Carsen Tinkler (2), Kylee Jacks (1), Maddie Rolfs (1), Peyton Hawkins (1)
• RBIs: Emily Perry (3), Carsen Tinkler (3), Kylee Jacks (1), Maddie Rolfs (1)
• 2B: Katie Gray (1); Carsen Tinkler (1)
• HR: Emily Perry (1)
• SB: Kylee Jacks (1); Carsen Tinkler (1); Peyton Hawkins (1)
• HBP: Emily Perry (1); Peyton Hawkins (1)
• Pitching:
  • Kiki Pickens (W, 9-3): 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO
  • Lauren Fuller: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER
  • Lily Rand: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER

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Game two: Missouri Southern 4 | Maryville 3
The Saints got on the board in the first inning and took a 1-0.

Missouri Southern found their rhythm in the third inning. Bailey Dillon singled and executed consecutive steals to advance to third. Katie Gray drilled a two-run homer to left field, bringing in Dillon and giving Missouri Southern a 2-1 lead.
 
In the fourth inning, the Lions extended their lead. Ashlyn Hulett reached on an error and scored on a fielder's choice by Taylor Nuckolls. Southern leads 3-2
 
Maddie Rolfs singled and stole second, setting up an RBI opportunity for Peyton Hawkins, who singled to left field to bring Rolfs home. Pushing the score to 4-3, Missouri Southern held their lead and secured the victory.
 
Katie Gray added two hits with three RBIs, a home run, and a double. Bailey Dillon added two stolen bases and contributed one hit, one run, and one RBI. Peyton Hawkins added one hit and one RBI.
 
Avery Tallman pitched 3.0 innings and faced 13 batters. NaTalia Sewell contributed 2.1 innings of relief for a strikeout, facing nine batters. Kadence Janney closed with 1.2 innings without allowing a hit or a run, striking out two batters while facing five batters.
 
Stats Tracker:

• Hits: Katie Gray (2), Maddie Rolfs (1), Cady Dickey (1), Bailey Dillon (1), Hannah Duin (1), Kate Thurman (1), Carsen Tinkler (1), Peyton Hawkins (1)
• RBIs: Katie Gray (3), Taylor Nuckolls (1), Bailey Dillon (1), Peyton Hawkins (1)
• 2B: Katie Gray (1)
• HR: Katie Gray (1)
• SB: Bailey Dillon (2), Maddie Rolfs (1)
• Pitching:
  • Avery Tallman (W, 7-3): 3.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER
  • NaTalia Sewell: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 SO
  • Kadence Janney (S, 2): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 SO

 
Up next:
The Lions will return to action on Friday, March 14, hosting the 2025 Teri Mathis-Zenner MIAA/NSIC Crossover Tournament. On day one, they will face off against the Minnesota State University – Moorhead Dragons in a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12:00 PM at the Pat Lipira Softball Complex. Read Full Article