Stephens fell to Lincoln (Mo.) 7–2 after the Blue Tigers used a strong first inning to build an early lead.

Lincoln scored three runs in the opening frame. A throwing error allowed the first run to cross the plate before an RBI single from G. Wright and an RBI double by F. Jaegers pushed the lead to 3–0. The Blue Tigers added another run in the fourth when A. Simpson singled to bring home J. Stewart.

Stephens responded in the fifth inning. Kennedi Gibbons scored on an RBI single from Kendall Rhorer to put the Stars on the board. Later in the inning, Celeste Athon doubled to right field to drive in Skylar Jacobs, cutting the deficit to 4–2.

Lincoln answered in the sixth with three runs to extend the lead. P. Rees delivered an RBI double before A. Simpson and G. Wright each added RBI singles to make it 7–2.

Stephens finished with four hits in the game. Landry Bales, AJ Thurston, Rhorer, and Athon each recorded a hit, while Rhorer and Athon drove in the Stars' two runs. Jacobs also stole a base and scored one of the runs for Stephens.

Elise Kendrick started in the circle for the Stars, pitching six innings and recording one strikeout.


Game Two: Stars 1, Tigers 4

Stephens dropped a close game to Lincoln (Mo.) 4–1 as the Blue Tigers used a late inning rally to pull away.

The Stars took the early lead in the third inning. Skylar Jacobs crossed the plate after Landry Bales reached on a fielding error in left field and advanced to second on the throw, giving Stephens a 1–0 advantage.

Lincoln answered in the bottom half of the inning when A. Simpson singled to shortstop to bring home P. Rees, tying the game at 1–1.

The game remained tied until the sixth inning when the Blue Tigers scored three runs. R. Smith delivered an RBI double to right center before B. Smith added an RBI single up the middle. Simpson followed with another RBI single to extend Lincoln's lead to 4–1.

Stephens recorded four hits in the game. Addison Flores led the Stars with two hits, including a double, while Elise Kendrick and Jacobs each added a hit. Kendrick also stole a base.

Katie Dennis started in the circle for Stephens and pitched six innings. She allowed five hits while striking out two, with all four runs scored by Lincoln going down as unearned.