SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State softball (5-21, 4-2 MVC) earned a 2-0 series-opening victory over Evansville (14-15, 0-4 MVC) here Friday evening in Springfield.
 
McKenzie Vaughan and the Bears emerged victorious in a pitcher's duel as a two-run sixth inning was all MoState needed to grab the advantage early in the three-game series. Vaughan tossed a gem in the circle, hurling a complete-game shutout. The senior right-hander scattered four hits while walking just one and striking out three Purple Aces.
 
The Bears had their first scoring chance of the day in the second inning as Alexis Perales drew a walk to lead things off. Then, an Evansville error and a fielder's choice put runners on the corners with one out. MoState eventually came up empty in the inning after Perales was thrown out at home following the catcher's attempt to get the Missouri State runner stealing second, shifting the momentum as a ground out closed the inning.
 
With the game still knotted at 0-0 after five innings, Evansville had a big opportunity in the top of the sixth inning after knocking a leadoff double down the left field line. However, the MoState defense didn't flinch as Vaughan forced a fly out and two ground outs to keep the Purple Aces off the board.
 
Missouri State carried that momentum into the home half of the sixth as the Bears finally broke through with a couple of runs. Vaughan sent a one-out single through the left side to get things rolling for the MoState offense. Riley Baber was then hit by a pitch in the next at-bat, putting pinch runner Taylor Akers in scoring position. Perales then strolled to the plate and sent a single up the middle to break the scoreless tie. The Bears weren't done, though, as Kenzie Derryberry was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out. Halle Studer added some insurance for MoState, knocking a single to shallow right field, giving the Bears a 2-0 advantage.
 
Following a fielder's choice and a strikeout to end the sixth, Missouri State need just three outs to secure the series-opening victory. Vaughan and Co. did just that, retiring the Purple Aces in order via a strikeout and two fly outs to claim the win.
 
Perales led the way for MoState offensively, going 2-for-2 with an RBI and a walk. Chloe Merced, Vaughan and Studer accounted for Missouri State's other three hits in the ballgame. The Bears put together a clean outing defensively, committing no errors on the evening.
 
Missouri State and Evansville will finish out the series tomorrow (March 22) with a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m. Both games at Meador Park will stream on ESPN+.