Republic scored seven runs in the last two innings, then held off a Rogersville rally in a 10-7 win on the road Monday night. It was the final regular season game of the year for the Lady Tigers.
After Rogersville scored three times to take a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the 5th, Republic responded with three runs of its own in the top of the 6th. Megan Weis started the inning with a single and went to third on a sacrifice by Kaitlyn Ragsdale. Ally Stolte walked and Livi Collier ripped a line drive double into left field, scoring two runs. Savana Smith, running for Collier, scored on a single by AJ Fenske, making the score 6-4 Republic.
Rogersville scored a run in the bottom of the inning, but Republic busted the game open in the 7th.
Ragsdale singled with one out, Stolte walked, and Collier doubled again to score Ragsdale. Julia Higgins followed with another double to score two more, and Fenske drove in a run with a single to give Republic a 10-5 lead.
Rogersville threatened in the bottom of the 7th. The big defensive play of the inning was a running catch by center fielder Megan Weis, who sprinted to the fence to take away an extra base hit. The game ended on a hard shot back at Collier in the circle. She chased down the deflected ball and tossed to Avery Romans at first base just in time to end the rally and the game.
Higgins, Ragsdale, and Fenske had three hits each for Republic. Collier had two hits and drove in three runs. Stolte reached base four times, homering once and walking four times. She scored three times.
Republic wraps up its regular season with a record of 18-8. The Lady Tigers have won five in a row heading into district play. They open districts Thursday at Carthage against Neosho (9-12) or Joplin (6-16). Game time is 6:30. Republic Tiger Sports will broadcast the game live.
