Hay, Kan. – The Missouri Southern softball team faced the No. 5 seed University of Central Missouri Jennies in the quarterfinals of the 2025 MIAA Conference Championship. The Lions jumped to a two-run lead in the first inning and extended their advantage in the third. They maintained control throughout the game to secure their spot in the semifinals.
Katie Gray has broken her third recrod of the season surpassing the MSSU single-season total bases record with 119. The previous mark of 118 was set by Jennifer Jimerson in 1998 and Katrina Marshall in 1992.
No. 4 Missouri Southern (37-16) | No. 5 Central Missouri (30-19)
The Jennies opened the game to score once, 1-0. The Lions responded with a three-run home run by
Katie Gray, bringing in
Kylee Jacks and
Taylor Nuckolls, leading 3–1 after the first.
Central Missouri scored two runs in the second inning to even the score, 3-3.
Maddie Rolfs' double and would plate on a groundout by
Kate Thurman to take the lead, 4-3.
In the third inning, the Lions capitalized and stretched their lead, as
Maddie Rolfs added an RBI single, and
Kate Thurman drilled a three-run triple three-run to lead 8–3.
Carsen Tinkler extended the lead with a solo home run, making it 9–3 after the 5th inning.
The Jennies attempted a late comeback in the seventh, adding two runs; the Lions maintained their advantage and would take the 9-5 win.
Katie Gray stood out, driving in three runs and hitting a home run.
Carsen Tinkler contributed with one home run, RBI, and two runs.
Maddie Rolfs also made an impact with two hits, including a double, scored two runs, and recorded one RBI.
Kate Thurman led the team with four RBIs and added a triple. The Lions tallied nine hits.
Kiki Pickens pitched 2.0 innings and faced 12 batters.
Avery Tallman pitched with 4.0 innings, giving up only two hits and no runs while striking out three batters.
Lauren Fuller pitched the final inning and faced six batters.
Stats Tracker:
- Hits: Maddie Rolfs (2), Bailey Dillon (1), Kylee Jacks (1), Taylor Nuckolls (1), Katie Gray (1), Emily Perry (1), Carsen Tinkler (1), Kate Thurman (1)
- RBIs: Kate Thurman (4), Katie Gray (3), Carsen Tinkler (1), Maddie Rolfs (1)
- 2B: Maddie Rolfs (1)
- 3B: Kate Thurman (1)
- SB: Bailey Dillon (1); Kylee Jacks (1); Taylor Nuckolls (1); Maddie Rolfs (1)
- HBP: Carsen Tinkler (1)
- Pitching:
- Kiki Pickens: 2.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB,
- Avery Tallman (W, 15-5): 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO
- Lauren Fuller: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB,
Up next:
The Lions advance to the semifinals of the MIAA Championship, where they will face the No. 1 seed University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos on Friday, May 2. First pitch is set for 12:00 PM.
The Missouri Southern softball season is presented by Arvest Bank, a proud supporter of Lion Athletics.
-Lions-
