The Rogers State University softball team unveiled its new on-campus facility in style on Saturday with two impressive wins over Missouri Southern State University at Hillcat Field.
The Hillcats first runs at the new park came in dramatic fashion. RSU hammered out back-to-back home runs in the third inning of Game 1. Centerfielder Kacy Ward belted a three-run home over the centerfield wall to give the Hillcats an early 3-0 lead. Third baseman Taylor Whisenhunt followed with a blast of her own to extend the lead to 4-0. The Hillcats cruised to an 8-1 victory from there. Starting pitcher Kelli Dunagan pitched five strong innings to earn her first collegiate victory. Ward finished the game 3-for-3 with three RBI.
The Hillcats made quick work of the Lions in Game 2, winning 15-1 via a five-inning run-rule. RSU sent 10 batters to the plate in the first inning and scored five runs on four hits. They added five more runs in the second, highlighted by a two-run homer by Dunagan. Freshman pitcher Stepahnie Eggers earned her first win at RSU in Game 2. Ward and Whisenhunt paced the Hillcats with three hits a piece in the game.
Coach Dawn Reed’s club improved to 2-0 on the year with the series sweep. The Hillcats will be back in action on Monday as they face No. 18 University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) at Hillcat Field. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.