JOPLIN, Mo. — Top seeded and fifth ranked Missouri Southern softball (50-7) edged past Southern Arkansas (47-7) with a 2–1 victory Friday at the Pat Lipira Softball Complex to advance to the 2026 NCAA Division II Central Regional Championship Finals.
MSSU will face No. 4 seed Southern Arkansas Saturday in the Central Regional Championship. First pitch is 2 p.m., CT.
Friday's game was highlighted by a strong seven-inning performance from
Kiki Pickens, who allowed only three hits (one earned run) while striking out five.
MSSU now has a record of 50-7 in 2026. The win total matches the second-most wins in Missouri Southern program history (50-7 in 1992).
In a closely contested matchup, MSSU secured a narrow victory over SAU, with a decisive sequence in the second inning providing the winning margin.
Emily Perry initiated the rally with a single, followed by
Avery Sue Davis's base hit that advanced Perry.
Gianna Saggese's walk loaded the bases, setting the stage for
Bailey Dillon's crucial two-RBI single, scoring Perry and Davis and giving the Lions a 2–0 lead.
Southern Arkansas attempted to shift the momentum in the sixth inning when Peyton Raley's single and subsequent advancement on a groundout set up America Rubio for an RBI single, narrowing the gap to 2–1. However, Missouri Southern's defense held firm, highlighted by a caught stealing that ended the Muleriders' threat in the sixth. Despite a tense final inning, the Lions maintained their lead, with key defensive plays contributing to the win.
Bailey Dillon contributed significantly by driving in two runs.
Emily Perry scored once and added a hit to her performance.
Avery Sue Davis also made an impact with one hit and one run scored.
Kiki Pickens pitched a complete game for MSSU, allowing just one earned run over seven innings while striking out five batters. She limited SAU to three hits and issued three walks, demonstrating control with 84 pitches, 53 of which were strikes. Pickens secured her 23rd win (23-3 in 2026) of the season.
MSSU will face No. 4 seed Southern Arkansas Saturday in the Central Regional Championship. First pitch is 2 p.m., CT.
