SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State softball (16-31, 13-10 MVC) fell 3-1 to Belmont (34-13, 17-6 MVC) in eight innings here on Saturday afternoon. 
 
Both squads jumped on the scoreboard early in this one with each team posting a run in the first inning. Belmont started things off in the top of the first, taking advantage of a hit by pitch and a walk before sending an RBI single up the middle to take an early lead. 
 
Missouri State answered immediately as McKenzie Vaughan made history with a two-out solo home run to center field. The homer marked the 32^nd of her career, breaking MoState's all-time home run record of 31 set by Olivia Krehbiel last season. 
 
From there, the game turned into a pitcher's duel as both squads posted zeroes until the eighth inning. The MoState defense allowed just three baserunners from the second through seventh innings, while the Bears offense had a couple of good scoring opportunities but couldn't capitalize. In the fourth, Missouri State got runners to second and third with two outs following a walk and a single in the inning. The home half of the sixth saw the Bears put together a small two-out rally, drawing a couple of walks and stealing two bases in the frame before stranding runners on the corners. 
 
Belmont retook the lead in extra innings, beginning the eighth with a hit by pitch before advancing the runner with a sacrifice bunt. A single up the middle, which was later followed by a walk and a single to right field, allowed two runs to cross the plate and give the Bruins a 3-1 advantage and ultimately the win. 
 
Vaughan led the way offensively with her solo homer and two walks on the afternoon. Swick put together a great outing in the circle despite taking the loss in the matchup. The right-hander scattered six hits and allowed three earned runs in 8.0 innings of work. 
 
The rubber match of the series is set for tomorrow (April 27) at 12:00 p.m. The game will stream on ESPN+.