CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — No. 2 seed Missouri Southern softball (54-8) secured a 5–3 victory over No. 7 seed Glenville State (51-17) Thursday at Frost Stadium in the 2026 NCAA Division II Women's College World Series opener.
Southern capitalized on nine hits and two stolen bases to clinch the win.
With the win, MSSU improved to 54-8 in 2026.
The Lions will now face No. 6 seed McKendree Friday at 1:30 p.m., CT in the 2026 NCAA Division II Women's College World Series winner's bracket.
MSSU set the tone early, with
Bailey Dillon's leadoff single and stolen base creating an opportunity capitalized on by
Taylor Nuckolls' RBI single in the first inning. Nuckolls continued to make an impact in the fourth, delivering a two-run double after a sacrifice bunt by Dillon advanced the runners.
Emily Perry added insurance with a solo home run in the fifth, extending the lead to 5–1.
In the fourth inning, Nuckolls doubled to right center, driving in two runs as
Gianna Saggese and
Easton Walter crossed home plate. Southern extended its lead to 4–0 by the end of the inning.
Glenville State responded in the top half of the fifth, scoring their first run on a wild pitch, reducing the deficit to 4–1.
Perry homered in the bottom of the fifth, to get the run back, 5-1.
Glenville State staged a late rally in the seventh inning, scoring two runs to pressure the Lions. The rally began four walks including an RBI base on balls by Emma McLean. Despite Glenville State's efforts, the Lions maintained composure, sealing the victory by containing further damage.
In the final inning, Southern's defense held firm, with
Emily Davis striking out the last two batters to extinguish Glenville State's comeback hopes. The win was anchored by timely hitting and strategic base running, which proved decisive despite the late pressure from Glenville State.
Taylor Nuckolls led the Lions with three RBI and two hits (2-for-4), including a double, while also scoring a run and stealing a base.
Emily Perry contributed with a two-hit performance, blasting a home run.
Bailey Dillon added two hits (2-for-3) and scored a run, complementing her performance with a stolen base.
Despite allowing three earned runs and issuing four walks,
Kiki Pickens kept the Pioneers hitless, showcasing effective control with 61 strikes out of 97 pitches. Pickens delivered a strong pitching performance, striking out eight batters over 6 1/3 innings to improve to 27-3 in 2026.
Kadence Janney and
Emily Davis combined to close out the game, with Davis recording two strikeouts in just 2/3 of an inning, securing her third save of the season.
The Lions will next face No. 6 seed McKendree Friday at 1:30 p.m., CT in the 2026 NCAA Division II Women's College World Series winner's bracket.
