SUPER REGIONAL CHAMPS: MSSU Softball secures Central Super Regional Title over UCO to punch ticket to NCAA Division II World Series

JOPLIN, MO — After falling 8-4 in Game 1 versus Central Oklahoma on Friday, Missouri Southern Softball captured Games 2 and 3 to crown themselves NCAA Division II Central Super Regional Champions. Game 2 started with a 1-0 UCO lead, which quickly turned in MSSU’s favor. Taylor Nuckolls drove in the game-tying RBI after saving a run in the field at shortstop.

. @MSSUSoftball bounces back and takes Game 2 of Central Super Regional series vs. UCO 6-1🚨 Some key plays: 🥎Taylor Nuckolls saves run at the plate from shortstop 🥎Nuckolls keeps up the momentum with game-tying RBI 🥎Katie Gray hit by pitch to take first lead 2-1 The Lions… pic.

twitter. com/V9lStHifdV — Cam Iasimone (@camiasimoneTV) May 23, 2026 Katie Gray would follow by getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to give Southern its first lead of the afternoon. The Lions were able to then piece together five unanswered runs to secure a 6-1 Game 2 victory.

Game 3 began in similar fashion. UCO jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and held the Lions scoreless with no hits through the first three innings. That’s when Maddie Rolfs sent a three-run home run over the left field wall for Southern’s first hit and lead of Game 3.