TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — No. 17-ranked Missouri Southern softball (11-1) secured a decisive 10-3 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma (2-9) Friday at the D2 Cherokee Nation Festival.
Missouri Southern tallied 12 hits, including two home runs, and did not allow any runs after the second inning while striking out 12 batters.
MSSU improved to 11-1 in 2026 while SWOSU dropped to 2-9.
The Lions secured a decisive 10-3 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma, highlighted by several strong offensive innings and solid defensive frames.
In the second inning, Missouri Southern took the lead with a three-run burst.
Gianna Saggese walked and later scored on a sacrifice fly by
Emma Mason, followed by a two-run homer from
Maddie Rolfs, bringing in
Emily Perry. The score stood at 3-3 after the second.
The third inning saw the Lions extend their lead.
Taylor Nuckolls singled and advanced on a wild pitch, setting up
Katie Gray, who hit a two-run homer to bring Nuckolls home. Missouri Southern led 5-3 after the third inning.
In the fifth inning, MSSU added two more runs.
Easton Walter doubled, scoring pinch runner
Micah Snider, and Mason followed with another double to bring Walter home. The Lions lead increased to 8-3 after the fifth.
Southern capped off the scoring in the seventh inning with two unearned runs. Perry scored on an error, and Walter crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly by Rolfs. The Lions ended the game with a final score of 10-3 over Southwestern Oklahoma.
Gray recorded two RBI and hit a home run, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Gray connected on her team-leading sixth home run of the campaign and fifth in as many games.
Nuckolls added two hits, including a double, and drove in one run while crossing home plate once. Rolfs scored twice and delivered three RBI with a home run, showcasing key moments at the plate.
Kadence Janney started the game for Missouri Southern, pitching two innings and allowing three runs on three hits, including a home run and a triple. Despite facing 10 batters, Janney did not issue any walks and recorded four flyouts and two groundouts.
Kiki Pickens took over and delivered a dominant performance, pitching five innings with no runs allowed, while striking out 12 batters and giving up only two hits. Pickens's efficiency was highlighted by a WHIP of 0.40 and throwing 24 strikes with no walks. She improved to 10-4 in 2026.
MSSU next faces Arkansas Monticello and Southern Arkansas in Day 2 of the D2 Cherokee Nation Festival Saturday. Game times have been changed to 1 p.m., CT and 3:15 p.m. due to the threat of inclement weather.
