Missouri State softball lost a close contest to Jacksonville State, 12-11, in a high-scoring series finale at Killian Stadium on April 19.
The loss came after Missouri State suffered its worst defeat in program history but showed improvement and resilience throughout Sunday’s game. The Bears now hold an overall record of 18-25 and are 6-15 in Conference USA play, while Jacksonville State improved to 35-12 overall and 19-2 in the conference.
Jacksonville State started strong with three runs in the first inning, but Missouri State quickly responded as Halle Studer hit a three-run home run to tie the score. The Bears took the lead in the second inning with four more runs, highlighted by Kayla Ulrich’s three-run homer. Studer continued her performance with another solo home run in the third inning.
Despite building an early lead, Missouri State saw momentum shift as Jacksonville State steadily narrowed the gap. The Gamecocks scored single runs in both the fourth and fifth innings before adding three more runs in the sixth. Entering the seventh inning ahead by two runs, Missouri State could not hold off Jacksonville State’s late rally; a two-RBI single gave Jacksonville State its final lead.
Studer finished with five RBI and two home runs for Missouri State. Ulrich added three RBI from her own home run, while Alexis Perales drove in two more runs. The Bears recorded ten two-out RBI during the game and had their leadoff batter reach base five times out of seven innings played.
Looking ahead, Missouri State will travel for a midweek matchup against Kansas City on April 21 before starting a three-game series at UTEP from April 24 through April 26.
