CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — No. 2 seed Missouri Southern softball (54-9) fell 3–2 to No. 6 seed McKendree (50-5) in a closely contested 2026 NCAA Division II Women's College World Series matchup Friday at Frost Stadium. The game saw MSSU hit two home runs, but McKendree sealed the win with two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.
MSSU moves to 54-9 in 2026.
McKendree took an early lead in the second inning when Ali Grenzebach scored on a fielding error, making it 1-0.
In the sixth inning,
Bailey Dillon tied the game at 1-1 for the Lions with a solo home run down the right field line.
The seventh inning saw more action.
Maddie Rolfs homered to center field, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead.
However, the Bearcats responded in the bottom of the inning. Trista Moore scored from second on a single by Jasmine Myers, tying the score. Paisley Twait then delivered a walk-off single, allowing the Bearcats to secure a 3–2 victory.
Bailey Dillon contributed significantly with a home run and an RBI, scoring one of the team's runs.
Maddie Rolfs also added power to the lineup, hitting a home run and collecting an RBI.
Carsen Tinkler showcased versatility by hitting a triple, adding to the team's offensive efforts.
Kiki Pickens (27-4) delivered a strong performance in the circle for Missouri Southern, pitching a complete game with 6 1/3 innings of work. She allowed nine hits and three runs, only one of which was earned, while striking out four batters and walking none. Pickens threw 100 pitches, 75 of which were strikes, showcasing her control throughout the game.
MSSU will next face the winner of No. 5 West Texas A&M and No. 8 St. Thomas Aquinas Saturday at 3 p.m., CT in an elimination game at the 2026 NCAA Division II Women's College World Series.
