KEARNEY, Neb. — No. 3-ranked Missouri Southern softball (27-5, 2-2 MIAA) split its MIAA doubleheader against Nebraska Kearney (12-21, 1-3 MIAA) Saturday at Dryden Park.
The Lions were edged by the Lopers, 7-6, in the opener before rebounding to down UNK, 9-1, in game two.
MSSU moves to 27-5 in 2026 and is 2-2 in conference play following its MIAA opening weekend.
Game 1 - Nebraska Kearney 7, No. 3 Missouri Southern 6
MSSU narrowly fell to Nebraska Kearney with a final score of 7-6 in game one of Saturday's doubleheader at Dryden Park.
Missouri Southern scored three runs in the sixth inning to briefly take the lead before UNK responded with two runs in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win.
MSSU took an early lead in the first inning as
Bailey Dillon walked and advanced to third on a wild pitch.
Taylor Nuckolls moved to second on the same wild pitch.
Carsen Tinkler was hit by a pitch, loading the bases.
Cady Dickey was subsequently hit by a pitch, allowing Dillon to score. The inning ended with the Lions leading 1-0.
In the third inning, UNK tied the game with a home run to left field by Gianna Galli, bringing the score to 1-1.
The fourth inning saw the Lopers take the lead. Alivia De La Cruz singled, and Aubey DeJong, who had doubled earlier, scored on a throwing error, making it 2-1 in favor of UNK.
Southern responded in the fifth inning.
Maddie Rolfs walked and scored when Nuckolls grounded out for an RBI. Dillon then scored on a fielder's choice by Tinkler, tying the score at 3-3.
However, Nebraska Kearney regained the lead, scoring three runs to make it 5-3.
In the sixth inning, Southern surged back with three runs.
Micah Snider, pinch running, scored along with Rolfs on Dillon's single. Nuckolls then singled to bring Dillon home, putting Southern ahead 6-5.
The seventh and final inning turned the game once more, with UNK scoring twice to secure a 7-6 win.
Dillon scored three runs and collected two hits, contributing two RBI to the game. Nuckolls added three hits and drove in two runs while providing solid defense with three assists. Rolfs crossed the plate twice and reached base with a hit and a walk. Tinkler was hit by a pitch and recorded an RBI while assisting in two plays defensively.
Kadence Janney pitched four innings, allowing six hits and three earned runs on 68 pitches, with 42 strikes.
Emily Davis appeared for 2 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and three earned runs, while striking out four and walking one. Davis threw 68 pitches, 41 of which were strikes, taking the loss.
Game 2 - No. 3 Missouri Southern 9, Nebraska Kearney 1
MSSU secured a decisive 9–1 victory over Nebraska Kearny in Saturday's doubleheader finale.
Missouri Southern delivered a powerful offensive performance, highlighted by three home runs and a four-run seventh inning.
In the second inning,
Avery Sue Davis and
Micah Snider each hit solo home runs, contributing two runs to the scoreboard.
In the third inning,
Maddie Rolfs extended the lead to 3-0 with a solo home run.
The fourth inning saw
Gianna Saggese triple, followed by
Easton Walter's sacrifice bunt that allowed Saggese to score, increasing the lead to 4–0.
In the fifth inning, Rolfs doubled and was driven in by
Taylor Nuckolls' single, further extending the lead to 5–0.
The seventh inning was highlighted by Snider's single and subsequent advance on a wild pitch, setting the stage for
Bailey Dillon's RBI single. Nuckolls later doubled, bringing in two more runs, and
Carsen Tinkler's single capped the scoring for Southern, making it 9–0.
Nebraska Kearney managed to score a single run in the bottom of the seventh.
Maddie Rolfs led the Lions with two hits, including a home run, while scoring three runs and recording one RBI.
Taylor Nuckolls contributed significantly by collecting two hits and driving in three runs, including a double.
Micah Snider showcased power at the plate, securing two hits, one of which was a home run, and tallying two runs with one RBI.
Emily Davis (10-3 in 2026) delivered a commanding performance in the circle, pitching six scoreless innings. She faced 23 batters, allowing only four hits and one walk, while striking out five. Davis effectively managed the opposition, inducing 11 fly outs and two ground outs with an efficient 88 pitches, 57 of which were strikes.
Kadence Janney relieved Davis in the final inning, allowing one earned run on one hit, a double, and a walk, while striking out a batter.
NEXT: Missouri Southern next continues its MIAA slate with a pair of road doubleheaders March 27 and March 28 at Washburn and Emporia State, respectively.
