BENTONVILLE, Ark. — No. 24-ranked Missouri Southern softball (10-1) swept the final day of the Alvy Early Memorial Classic Sunday at Memorial Park. MSSU overcame Texas Woman's, 8-5, in the morning before shutting out William Jewell, 4-0, in the afternoon finale.
The Lions are now 10-1 in 2026 after a 5-1 weekend at the Alvy Early Memorial Classic.
A day after setting Missouri Southern's all-time career RBI record,
Katie Gray belted two more home runs Sunday to take sole possession of first in MSSU program history with 30 career home runs (Dawn Grass, 28 in 2010-14). Gray has hit home runs in four-straight games and has five in 2026.
No. 24 MSSU 8, Texas Woman's 5
Missouri Southern displayed a strong offensive performance in their matchup against Texas Woman's, securing an 8-5 victory.
The Lions recorded 10 hits, including a home run, and pitcher
Kiki Pickens struck out 12 batters over seven innings.
MSSU responded to an early two-run deficit in the first inning.
Bailey Dillon walked and
Taylor Nuckolls tripled, driving in Dillon.
Katie Gray walked, and with strategic base running, Nuckolls scored on a sacrifice fly by
Gianna Saggese.
Emily Perry was hit by a pitch, loading the bases for
Maddie Rolfs, who doubled to bring in two more runs, leaving Southern ahead 4–2 after the first.
In the second inning, the Lions extended their lead. Dillon singled, setting the stage for Nuckolls and Gray. Nuckolls singled, and Gray followed with a home run to right field, bringing in three runs. This offensive outburst gave Missouri Southern a commanding 7–2 lead after the second.
The third inning saw TWU struggle to make contact against Pickens, with a ground out, a caught stealing, and a strikeout to end its half of the inning scoreless. Although MSSU managed a hit from Perry, the Lions did not add to their score, maintaining their 7–2 lead.
After a quiet fourth inning for both teams, Southern added another run in the fifth. Saggese led off with a single, followed by Perry's single. Rolfs singled, advancing the runners, and
Daniela Gutierrez drove in Perry with a single to widen the lead to 8–2.
The Pioneers mounted a comeback attempt in the seventh inning, scoring three runs on a series of hits and a passed ball. However, the Lions' defense held firm, as Pickens ended the rally with two strikeouts.
Gray led the team offensively with a home run and three RBIs, contributing significantly to the team's scoring. Nuckolls added two hits (2-for-4), including a triple, and drove in one run while scoring twice. Perry reached base three times with two hits (2-for-2) and a hit-by-pitch, scoring two runs.
In the circle, Pickens pitched a complete game, striking out 12 batters and allowing five hits and five runs over seven innings. She issued four walks and recorded a WHIP of 1.29, improving her season record to 3-1. Pickens effectively managed the innings, notably striking out two batters in a scoreless sixth inning, allowing no hits or walks.
No. 24 MSSU 4, William Jewell 0
MSSU secured a 4-0 victory over William Jewell on Sunday, highlighted by a complete-game shutout from
Emily Davis, who recorded nine strikeouts while allowing six hits.
Missouri Southern tallied eight hits, including a home run, and drew five walks to propel its offense, while effectively stranding eight Cardinals runners on base.
In the first inning, the Lions took an early lead as
Taylor Nuckolls doubled to center field and later stole third.
Katie Gray's sacrifice fly to right field brought Nuckolls home, putting MSSU ahead 1-0. William Jewell was unable to respond, leaving Southern leading 1-0 after the first inning.
The fourth inning saw Missouri Southern extend its lead when Gray homered to right field, adding another run to their total. This solo effort gave the team a 2-0 advantage. The Cardinals continued to struggle offensively, unable to score despite several opportunities.
In the sixth inning, MSSU increased its lead to 3-0.
Emily Perry's double to left field drove in pinch runner
Micah Snider, who had advanced to second on a fly out. Jewell remained scoreless, leaving runners on base.
The final inning saw Southern secure its win with another run.
Emma Mason singled to center field and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Nuckolls. The Cardinals could not mount a comeback, concluding the game 4-0 in favor of Missouri Southern.
Gray recorded two RBI and hit a home run, contributing significantly to the team's performance. Saggese showcased speed on the bases, stealing two bases and adding a hit. Nuckolls added a run and an RBI with a double, further aiding the team's efforts.
Davis delivered a standout performance, pitching a complete game shutout over seven innings for the Lions against the Cardinals. Davis allowed six hits and issued only one walk while striking out nine batters. Her effort was critical in maintaining a perfect 1.00 WHIP and securing her fourth win of the season.
MSSU next heads to the D2 Cherokee Nation Festival Feb. 13-15 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
