JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Stephens College softball team opened its 2025 season on the road Tuesday, facing NCAA Division II Lincoln University (Mo.) in a doubleheader at LU Softball Field. The Stars showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell in both contests, 0-11 and 0-8. 

In the first game, the Stars (0-2) managed just one hit against the Blue Tigers, who struck out eight in a complete-game shutout. Emma Angel notched the lone hit for Stephens, leading off the fourth inning with a single to left field, but Lincoln (5-5) kept the Stars from capitalizing.

The Blue Tigers used a seven-run second inning to break the game open. A two-run double and a two-RBI hit highlighted the frame. Stephens pitcher Elise Kendrick (0-1) went four innings, allowing 11 runs on 13 hits.

Game two saw the Stars' bats remain quiet against Lincoln's starting pitcher, who threw a five-inning one-hitter. Stephens' only hit came from Kyndal Vincent in the second inning, but she was caught stealing to end the scoring opportunity.

Lincoln struck early with a sacrifice fly in the first inning before adding two more runs in the second. A fielding miscue in the third allowed two more Blue Tigers to cross home, pushing the deficit to 5-0. The Stars' best defensive moment came in the fourth when center fielder Angel made a diving grab to rob Lincoln of extra bases.

Katie Dennis (0-1) started in the circle for Stephens, tossing four innings while giving up eight runs—six earned—on 10 hits.

The Stars look to bounce back Saturday when they host Tabor College (Kan.) for their home opener at American Legion for a non-conference matchup. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 pm.