CLAREMORE, Okla. — The Northwest Missouri State University softball team had its school-record 13-game winning streak snapped in splitting a doubleheader at Rogers State Friday afternoon.
The Bearcats (21-6 overall, 1-1 MIAA) came from behind to take game one, 4-2. The Hillcats (18-10 overallm 2-4 MIAA) tallied a 8-0, six-inning triumph in the second game.
In the first game, the Bearcats overcame an early 2-0 deficit with a pair of runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Rogers State took the lead in the third inning when Aaliyah Gaboriault and Rylee Bush scored on errors, resulting in two unearned runs. The inning ended with the home team leading 2-0.
Northwest responded in the sixth inning.
Curstin Todd singled and advanced on an error, eventually scoring along with
Alexis Brown, who reached on a single and later crossed home on a sacrifice fly by
Mackenzie Mlnarik, tying the game at 2-2. In the seventh inning, Brown hit a crucial two-RBI triple, allowing Todd and pinch runner
Cora Schweitzer to score, clinching a 4-2 comeback victory.
Jadyn Streigle delivered a complete game performance without allowing an earned run. Streigle faced 30 batters, surrendering 6 hits and issuing 2 walks while striking out 4. With a WHIP of 1.14, she effectively managed base runners, inducing 10 groundouts and five flyouts. This outing marked Streigle's 10th win of the season, showcasing consistent control over 105 pitches with 65 strikes. She has won eight consecutive starts and sits at 10-1 on the year.
Brown led the team with two hits, including a triple, and drove in two runs. Mlnarik was effective in the field, recording four assists at second base. Todd showcased her speed and awareness, scoring two runs while also drawing a walk.
In the second game, the Bearcats struggled offensively, managing only one hit and drawing four walks. The Hillcats capitalized on 11 hits, including a home run, to secure an 8-0 victory in six innings. In the first inning,
Emma Hague was hit by a pitch and advanced to third, but the team left three runners on base. The Hillcats took an early lead with Chloe Cardona scoring on Mariah Belzer's RBI single, ending the inning with the Bearcats trailing 1-0.
Rogers State extended its lead in the second inning as Saylor Brown scored on a groundout by Cardona, bringing the score to 2-0. In the third inning, it took advantage of a fielding error, with Taelynn Ballinger scoring an unearned run to make it 3-0. The Hillcats added two more runs in the fourth inning when Rylee Bush scored on a bases-loaded walk and Baylee King came home on a single by Mattie Large, extending their lead to 5-0.
Despite a single by
Sara Farlow in the sixth inning, the Bearcats could not convert it into runs. Rogers State sealed its victory in the bottom of the sixth, with Brown hitting a three-run homer, bringing the final score to 8-0.
Rien Moore pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits and four earned runs while striking out four. She issued three walks and finished with a WHIP of 3.44 over 87 pitches, 48 of which were strikes.
Olivia Moyer came in relief for 1 2/3 innings, surrendering three earned runs on three hits, including a home run, and striking out one while walking three. Moyer's WHIP stood at 5.00, throwing 41 pitches, with 21 for strikes.
Sara Farlow reached base three times, recording one hit, one walk, and one hit by pitch, leading to an OPS of 2.000.
Emma Hague demonstrated speed on the bases, successfully stealing one base during her leadoff appearance despite striking out twice.
Mackenzie Mlnarik added a stolen base and drew a walk.
The next challenge for the Bearcats comes on Saturday, March 21, when they travel to face Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The doubleheader is set for 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
