MAGNOLIA, Ark. (AP) — The 25th-ranked Harding softball team fell to Missouri Southern 9-0 in six innings in the elimination game of the NCAA Central Regional Tournament Friday.
The Lions (38-17) scored six runs in the second inning on seven hits. Missouri Southern, the No. 6 seed, added another run in the fourth and two in the sixth. Taylor Nuckolls led the offensive charge for Missouri Southern, going 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and two RBIs. Carsen Tinkler added a two-run home run in the sixth to cap the scoring.
Harding (39-18), the No. 7 seed, struggled at the plate, with only one hit in the game.
Kiki Pickens (19-5) earned the win for Missouri Southern, pitching four scoreless innings and allowing just the single hit while striking out four. NaTalia Sewell closed out the final two innings.
Riley Price (13-8) took the loss for Harding, surrendering three runs on three hits in just 1.2 innings. Brooklyn Gobble and Avery Booker also pitched in relief for the Lady Bisons.
