CONROE, Texas — Mississippi College opened the final day of the 2026 DII First Pitch Invitational with a strong response, earning an 8–3 victory over Southeastern Oklahoma State in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader to close the weekend on a positive note.
The Choctaws played six games over three days in Conroe, highlighted by a statement win over No. 1 UT Tyler, and finished the event with a 3–3 record against a nationally competitive field.
MC 8, Southeastern Oklahoma State 3
Mississippi College delivered a complete performance against Southeastern Oklahoma State, totaling 10 hits, including two triples and a home run, while driving in four runs with two outs.
The Choctaws struck first in the opening inning as Ellie Fryar reached on a bunt single, advanced on a sacrifice from Morgan Lavergne, and scored on an RBI triple by Shelby Samples. Madelyn England followed with a sacrifice fly to give MC a 2–0 lead. Southeastern Oklahoma State responded with two runs to tie the game after one.
Mississippi College regained control in the second inning. Blakely Gill opened the frame with a double, Megan Matheis was hit by a pitch, and Morgan Lavergne cleared the bases with a triple to right field, pushing the Choctaws ahead 5–2.
Both teams were held scoreless through the middle innings as pitching and defense settled in. MC put the game away in the seventh inning when Ellie Fryar launched a solo home run, Sarah Lee drew an RBI walk, and Maguire Miskelly added a run-scoring single.
Southeastern Oklahoma State scored once in the bottom of the seventh, but the Choctaws closed out the 8–3 win.
In the circle, Camryn Bailey earned the win after allowing two earned runs on six hits over five innings, striking out seven. Reagan Rios added two innings of relief, giving up one earned run on one hit with two strikeouts, as MC pitchers combined for nine strikeouts.
Earlier Sunday: One-Run Setback
Mississippi College closed Sunday with a tough 7–6 loss to Texas A&M International, rallying late after trailing by five runs. The Choctaws brought the tying run to the plate in the seventh inning but were unable to complete the comeback.
Weekend Recap
The Choctaws showed resilience throughout the weekend, playing six games in three days against elite competition. Mississippi College's win over No. 1 UT Tyler and Sunday's bounce-back performance against Southeastern Oklahoma State highlighted a strong early-season showing.
Up Next
Mississippi College returns to action next weekend on the road, beginning Thursday, Feb. 5, against Southern Wesleyan at 12:00 p.m. CT, followed by a matchup with Embry-Riddle at 2:30 p.m. CT. The weekend slate also includes games against Southern Wesleyan, No. 2 Tampa, and No. 20 Saint Leo.
