LEBANON, Ill. -- No. 6 Missouri S&T softball opened NCAA Midwest Regional play in dominant fashion Thursday afternoon, defeating No. 3 Findlay 9-2 at McKendree University to advance to the regional semifinal round.
The Miners improve to 37-17 overall and used timely hitting along with another complete-game performance from
AJ Agers (DeSoto, MO/St. Pius X) to secure the postseason victory.
Missouri S&T wasted little time offensively, striking in the opening inning after Claire Lopez (Olathe, KS/Olathe Northwest) worked a leadoff walk and Taylor Nelson (Hailey, ID/Phillips Exeter Academy) ripped a double down the left field line. Agersfollowed with a two-RBI single to center, giving the Miners an early 2-0 lead.
Findlay answered with two runs in the bottom half of the inning, but the Miners quickly regained momentum behind a huge fourth inning. After Tori Thompson (Chandler, AZ/Basha) drew a walk and Kaylee LaChappell (Oswego, IL/Oswego) reached base, Morgan Williams (Midland, MI/Midland) launched a three-run home run to left-center field to put Missouri S&T back in front 5-2.
The Miners added insurance in the sixth inning, capitalizing on pressure at the plate and aggressive baserunning. Keira Jones (Richmond Hill, GA/Richmond Hill) singled through the right side before Lopez reached on an error to bring home a run. Nelson then delivered the knockout swing, blasting a three-run home run to center field to extend the advantage to 9-2.
Nelson finished 2-for-4 with a double, home run, and three RBI, while Williams added a three-run homer of her own. Agers also helped lead the offense with two hits and two RBI, while Grobe recorded a pair of hits in the victory.
Inside the circle, Agers continued her standout postseason run, throwing all seven innings while allowing just two runs on six hits. The senior improved to 21-9 on the season and held Findlay scoreless over the final six innings of play.
Missouri S&T's defense also came through in key moments, forcing 17 ground-ball outs and limiting one of the region's top offenses to just two runs.
What's Next
Missouri S&T advances to the NCAA Midwest Regional semifinal round and will take on No. 2 McKendree University tomorrow, May 15, at 11 a.m. in Lebanon, Illinois.
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