SHAWNEE, Kan. — No. 9-ranked Missouri Southern softball (19-3) swept its pair of games at the Midwest College Classic Saturday at the Mid-America Sports Complex.
The Lions overcame Wayne State (12-2), 4-2, before run-ruling Minnesota State Moorhead (1-11), 8-0.
MSSU improves to 19-3 in 2026 following Saturday at the Midwest College Classic. The Lions were initially slated to play Sunday but that day of the tournament was canceled due to the threat of inclement weather.
No. 9 Missouri Southern 4, Wayne State 2
MSSU grabbed a 4-2 victory over Wayne State (Neb.) on Saturday at Mid-America Sports Complex, benefiting from a home run and six stolen bases.
Wayne State managed three hits and two runs, including a solo homer, but was unable to overcome Missouri Southern's early scoring advantage.
In the first inning,
Bailey Dillon walked and advanced to third with two stolen bases.
Emily Perry followed with a walk and also stole second.
Easton Walter then singled, allowing Dillon to score.
Carsen Tinkler walked with the bases loaded, bringing in Perry. At the end of the first, Missouri Southern led 2-0.
In the fourth inning,
Taylor Nuckolls singled and stole two bases, setting up an RBI single by
Katie Gray, extending the Lions lead. WSC managed to score once in the fourth, bringing the score to 3-1 in favor of the Lions.
The fifth inning saw Tinkler hit a solo home run, countering a home run by the Wildcats in their half of the inning. This maintained a two-run lead for MSSU, now at 4-2.
Both teams were held scoreless in the final two innings, with Southern preserving its lead and securing the 4-2 win.
Tinkler posted impressive numbers, going 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI, while also drawing two walks. Dillon contributed offensively, recording three stolen bases and scoring a run. Nuckolls added to the team's aggressive base running, successfully stealing two bases and scoring once.
Kiki Pickens excelled in the circle, pitching four innings with just one earned run, allowing two hits and striking out two for the win (7-2 in 2026).
Emily Davis appeared for two innings, giving up one hit and one earned run, with a WHIP of 1.50, including a home run allowed.
Kadence Janney closed the game, pitching the final inning, yielding no hits and striking out a batter, securing her second save of the season.
No. 9 Missouri Southern 8, Minnesota State Moorhead 0
MSSU secured an 8-0 victory over Minnesota State Moorhead at Mid-America Sports Complex. The Lions' offense was highlighted by a seven-run third inning, sealing the run-rule win in five innings.
In the second inning, Missouri Southern took the lead when
Easton Walter singled and advanced to third on a double by
Carsen Tinkler.
Emma Mason then flied out to center field for a sacrifice fly, allowing Walter to score. The inning ended with Missouri Southern leading 1-0.
The third inning proved pivotal as MSSU expanded its lead significantly.
Taylor Nuckolls doubled, followed by a double by
Katie Gray that brought Nuckolls home. A pinch runner,
Micah Snider, scored on a fielder's choice by
Cady Dickey, aided by an error. Mason then hit a grand slam, scoring Dickey, Tinkler, and
Emily Perry. Nuckolls doubled again, driving in
Maddie Rolfs, who had reached on a double earlier. The inning concluded with Southern ahead 8-0.
Mason delivered a standout performance with a grand slam, driving in five runs and scoring once. Nuckolls contributed two doubles, collecting an RBI and scoring one run. Gray added a double of her own, driving in one run while also drawing a walk. Tinkler reached base with a double and a walk, scoring once and delivering solid defense with two assists.
Missouri Southern's pitching staff was anchored by
Emily Davis, who delivered a strong performance with four innings pitched, allowing no earned runs and striking out four batters. Davis faced 19 batters, yielding five hits and one walk, while maintaining a WHIP of 1.50 and securing the win (7-1 in 2026).
Kadence Janney started the game, pitching an inning and allowing one hit without surrendering any runs or walks, closing the inning with a WHIP of 1.00. Together, the pitchers combined for a shutout, effectively neutralizing the Dragons' offensive efforts.
NEXT: Missouri Southern next returns home to host Minnesota State Moorhead in a doubleheader on Saturday, March 7 at Pat Lipira Softball Complex in Joplin, Missouri. Game times are slated for 1 p.m., CT and 3 p.m.
