MANSFIELD, Texas — The 2026 season is in full swing, and the Lone Star College Classic, Southern Arkansas has begun the new campaign at 5-0 after defeating Emporia State and Drury for the group's final day in Texas. The Muleriders' 5-0 beginning marks the first time that the unit has done so since team 25 did so back in 2023, as the group started 5-0 following that season's Mardi Gras Invitational.
Two Mulerider pitchers collected wins today, as Kassie Rhodes and Emma Duncan both went for 6.0 innings prior to Addie Davis coming in for a save in both games. Rhodes and Duncan combined on the day for 13 Ks, with Rhodes tallying four strikeouts and Duncan recording nine.
Vs. Emporia St. (W, 2-1)
Southern Arkansas ended up allowing just one run against the Hornets, via the home run ball. Besides that, the Hornets' offense was shut down by Rhodes and the Muleriders' defense.
In the game, Southern Arkansas saw two batters go 2-for-3 at the plate, as Maddie Leal and Sophia Luetticke did so, with both accounting for one run each
The Muleriders started the scoring with an America Rubio single to left field that scored Leal from second base. Southern Arkansas then scored its second run in the bottom fourth frame as Jenny Bouthillier recorded her lone hit of the game with a double down the left field line to score Luetticke for a 2-0 lead. Team 28 then did not allow a run until the shutout was spoiled by a Hornet solo home run to cut the deficit in half at 2-1. The Hornets were not allowed another run, as the Muleriders went on to win their fourth game of the season.
Vs. Drury (W, 4-3)
Minus a three-run home run, Duncan shutdown the Drury offense with nine strikeouts against 21 batters. The grad student also allowed just two walks against the Panthers.
The Muleriders tacked on two runs early in the first inning, as Kelsie Adams homered over the left field wall with Regan Dillon on first base, 2-0.
In the next inning, the Panthers answered the Blue and Gold's home run with one of their own, as Drury took the lead with a three-run homer, 3-2.
After a scoreless third, Southern Arkansas finally countered with two runs on a Payton Owens sacrifice fly to center field, which scored Paris Endris, and an AvaMarie Perry single to center field to score Jenny Bouthillier, as SAU reclaimed the advantage at 4-3.
Those fourth inning runs ended up being the final score changes in the contest, as the Muleriders moved on to 5-0 to being the 2026 season.
Up Next:
Southern Arkansas will venture back to the Natural State, with the group heading to the Alvy Early Memorial Classic (Feb. 6-8) in Bentonville, Arkansas.
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