SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State softball (8-21, 4-7 MVC) took the series after shutting out Murray State (16-19, 4-6 MVC) here Saturday afternoon at Killian Stadium, 2-0.
 
The Bears flipped the script in Saturday's game, jumping on the board first against Murray State. Olivia Krehbiel got the MoState offense off to a hot start with a leadoff double off the wall in left center field. After a sacrifice bunt to move Krehbiel to third, Kayla Ulrich ripped a ball down the left field line for an RBI double as the Bears took an early 1-0 lead.
 
Ultimately, that would be the only run the Bears would need, but Missouri State added an insurance run in the third inning of the pitcher's duel. With two outs on the board in the third, Ulrich collected another RBI with a solo homer to left field, marking her third long ball of the season to put MSU in front 2-0.
 
Missouri State's two runs in the first three innings were all the scoring in the Saturday series finale as the Bears secured the series win.
 
On her senior day, Shelby Houchlei (1-1) earned her first win of the season in the circle, hurling 5.0 scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out two. After a leadoff single in the sixth, Gracie Johnston came on in relief, tossing 2.0 hitless innings and striking out three Racers as she earned her Missouri Valley Conference leading fifth save of the season. The duo of Houchlei and Johnston did not allow a free pass on the day.
 
At the plate, Ulrich was 3-for-3 with both of Missouri State's RBI and a run scored. Krehbiel also collected a multiple-hit day with a 2-for-3 outing and a run scored.
 
Missouri State will be back in action on Wednesday, April 3 for a midweek matchup at Tulsa. First pitch at Tulsa is set for 5:00 p.m.