EDMOND, Okla. - The University of Central Missouri scored two runs in the top of the seventh inning to defeat Roger State University, 6-5, to claim the 2021 MIAA Softball Tournament Championship on Saturday afternoon at Broncho Softball Stadium in Edmond, Okla. The Jennies claimed the MIAA's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and won their second MIAA Tournament title after capturing the 2015 crown.

UCM scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning to break a scoreless tie. But Rogers State answered with a four-run sixth inning to tie the game. In the seventh, UCM took advantage of a pair of Hillcat errors and scored two runs to make it 6-4. RSU would strike in the bottom of the seventh but would be unable to push across the tying run.

The Jennies Ashlyn Cook went 1-for-4 with a three-RBI triple and Jessica Sader hit a home run in the fifth. Paige Petefish threw 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with four strikeouts.

Rogers State's Andrea Morales threw 5.0 innings, striking out six hitters while allowing four runs. Makayla Bowman drove in three runs, going 2-for-4 with a home run and a run scored. Danelle Day was 2-for-3 at the plate for RSU.

Fans can purchase limited edition Jennies 2021 Championship apparel at the MIAA Team Store HERE.

The 2021 NCAA Softball Tournament begins on Wednesday, May 19. The selection show will take place on Sunday, May 16. UCO has been selected as the host for the Central Region Tournament.

2021 MIAA Softball All-Tournament Team
Infielders
Makenzie McAtee, UCM – Most Outstanding Player
Elexis Watson, RSU
Brenlyn McCoy, UCM
Jaylan Gibson, RSU

Outfielders
Hazel Puempel, UCO
Ashlyn Cook, UCM
Tailee Redding, RSU
 
Pitchers
Paige Petefish, UCM
Andrea Morales, RSU
M’Kayla Hillman, RSU
 
Designated Player
Kara Amos, MSSU
 
Catcher
Danelle Day, RSU