MARSHALL, Mo. – The Stephens College softball team split a Monday doubleheader against Missouri Valley, securing a 6-0 shutout win in Game 1 before falling 0-14 in Game 2 at Indian Foothills Park. The Stars now shift their focus to American Midwest Conference (AMC) play, beginning Saturday against Harris-Stowe State University at American Legion Field, with the first pitch set for 1 p.m.

Game 1: Stephens 6, Missouri Valley 0

Katie Dennis delivered a masterful performance in the circle, throwing a complete-game shutout while allowing just three hits and striking out nine. The Stars (6-10) backed her up early, plating three runs in the first inning.

Emma Angel led off with a single before Ivy Smart and Dennis followed with base hits of their own. Dennis doubled home the first run, and Kara Krieger brought in two more with a single before being thrown out trying to stretch it into a double.

Stephens tacked on another run in the third when Krieger doubled to score Dennis. Smart added an RBI groundout in the fifth, and Landry Bales capped the scoring in the sixth with an infield single that plated Krieger.

Game 2: Missouri Valley 14, Stephens 0 (5 innings)

The second game swung heavily in Missouri Valley's favor as the Vikings (5-4) erupted for nine first-inning runs, capitalizing on defensive errors and timely hitting.

Stephens struggled offensively against the Vikings' pitcher, who tossed a five-inning shutout, allowing just four hits. The Stars' best scoring opportunity came in the first inning when Angel and Smart both singled, but the rally ended with a strikeout and a caught stealing at third.

The Stars will look to bounce back as they begin AMC play at home on Saturday against Harris-Stowe State.