Missouri State softball concluded its 2026 season on May 2 with an 11-2 defeat in six innings against New Mexico State. The game took place in Springfield and marked the final contest for the Bears, who finished the year with a 22-28 overall record and a 10-17 mark in Conference USA play.
The outcome was decided early, as New Mexico State scored six runs in the first inning. The Aggies began with three consecutive hits, including an RBI double and a two-run home run, to quickly build a three-run lead. After recording two outs, Missouri State allowed additional runs through walks and errors, allowing New Mexico State to extend their advantage to six.
Missouri State responded in the bottom of the second inning when Sidney McLaughlin hit a solo home run. The Bears’ defense managed to hold off further scoring from New Mexico State through the third to fifth innings, making key plays such as catching baserunners off guard and preventing stolen bases.
In the fifth inning, Elizabeth Bobbitt led off with a double before Mya January drove her home on a sacrifice fly, bringing Missouri State within four runs at 6-2. However, another big inning by New Mexico State in the sixth saw them score five more times on six hits and another error by Missouri State. The game ended after six innings due to run-rule regulations.
McLaughlin closed out her career at Missouri State by going two-for-three at bat with her solo homerun. January had Missouri State’s only other RBI of the day. As a team, Missouri State struck out just three times but left five runners stranded on base.
This season was Missouri State’s first competing in Conference USA. They finished ninth in regular-season standings and did not qualify for the conference tournament that includes eight teams.
