CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Blue Tigers scored in the top of the first, but Rogers State, ranked No. 3 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II poll, relied on 10 hits to earn a 9-1 victory over the Lincoln softball team in the second game of a double-header on Saturday (March 30). The Hillcats also won the opener, 10-0.

Leslie Callahan opened the second game with a base hit and took second on a sacrifice bunt laid down by Gabby Newman. Abbi Conrad then hit a single, and the ensuing throw by the RSU defense allowed Callahan to score. LU went on to load the bases, as Maris Ollison had a hit and TK Lawson was issued a walk, but the Hillcats held the Lincoln lead to 1-0.

The Blue Tiger defense put out the first three RSU batters of the game, then, in the top of the second, moved a runner into scoring position when Mackenzie Graham reached on a throwing error. Rogers State (29-5, 13-1 MIAA) tied the game with a solo home run in its first at bat of the bottom of the second inning. A triple and another home run led to a 3-1 lead for the Hillcats, who controlled the rest of the game, including scoring five runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Ollison had two hits. Mallorey Rogers and Maddie Sechrest represented Lincoln (10-22, 2-12 MIAA) in the circle and Callahan and Newman were each responsible for four putouts. Ollison turned two assists.

In the first game, a Rogers State error allowed Conrad to reach base, but otherwise the Blue Tiger offense was held at bay. Abby Pulliam, Jaedin Blankenship and Joss Marriott all saw time in the circle and Torri Hinnah led LU with six putouts. Newman finished with four assists.

The next two Lincoln softball games will be played in Jefferson City, as the Blue Tigers host Newman in 1:00 p.m. CDT twinbill on Friday (April 5).