ARDMORE, Okla. – The Murray State College softball team capped off an impressive postseason run on Saturday, capturing the 2026 Southwest Plains Tournament Championship with a decisive 8-0 run-rule victory over Western Oklahoma State College.
The Lady Aggies wasted no time asserting control, erupting for six runs in the bottom of the first inning including back-to-back home runs to begin the frame. Brylee Fanning ignited the offense on the first pitch she saw as she crushed a home run to center field. A couple pitches later, Jaliyah Simmons followed with a line drive blast over the right-field fence, extending the lead to 2-0.
Murray State continued to apply pressure as Bubba Lee delivered a clutch two-run double to left field, scoring Lilly Wyche and Kaylee Carter while moving Mercades Lopez to third. Ryann Phillips then added to the surge with a two-run single to center, bringing home Lee and Lopez to push the lead to 6-0 by the end of the inning.
The Lady Aggies added another run in the second inning, capitalizing on a Western Oklahoma State error. Jaliyah Simmons came around to score on the miscue, while Lilly Wyche advanced to third to make it 7-0.
Murray State closed out the scoring in the third inning when Mercades Lopez crossed the plate on a passed ball, extending the lead to 8-0.
Carolyn Overton was electric in the circle again as she threw a complete-game shutout. The country's leader in ERA struck out five batters and only allowed one hit in five dominant innings of work to earn her 17th win of the season.
With the win, the Lady Aggies advance to the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Murray State will find out its tournament draw Tuesday during the NJCAA Selection Show.
Sports Information Director: Justin Wagner | jgwagner@mscok.edu
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