TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – A three-run fifth inning propelled the Midwestern State softball team to its fifth-straight win Saturday morning as the Mustangs began the NSU Softball Festival with a 5-2 victory over Rogers State at the Tahlequah High School Softball Field. 

Senior center fielder Haley Howerton went 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored and a pair of stolen bases to pace Midwestern State (10-7) on the day. Junior left fielder Taylor Bermudes was 2-for-4 with two RBI while senior first baseman Chelsey Wall added two hits in three appearances at the plate.

Redshirt freshman Peyton Helton (4-5) won her third-straight game in the circle for the Mustangs, striking out three batters while allowing seven hits and two earned runs in a complete game effort.

Rogers State (3-7) took an early 1-0 lead after a walk and double plated a run for the Hillcats in the top of the first. However, the Mustangs also lit up the scoreboard in the frame as Howerton singled, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch before a Bermudes single drove in the game-tying run.

The Hillcats went back in front in the fourth inning as back-to-back singles and a wild pitch put runners in scoring position. A sac bunt gave Rogers State a 2-1 lead before a strikeout and liner stranded a runner at third for the Hillcats.

Freshman second baseman Misty Muniz led off a big fifth inning for the Mustangs with a full-count walk before Howerton reached base on a bunt to put two on with no outs for MSU. A wild pitch advanced the runners to set up an appearance for senior third baseman Katelyn Vinson, who connected on a two-RBI single through the left side to give the Mustangs a 3-2 lead.

The Mustangs followed by loading the bases as junior designated hitter Erin Knox was hit by a pitch and Wall recorded an infield single. A walk for freshman right fielder Taylor Mordecai plated a run for MSU to cap off the inning for the Mustangs.

Midwestern added an insurance run in the sixth with Muniz leading off with a double down the left field line. After a grounder to first to move Muniz to third, Bermudes recorded her second RBI of the day with a single to short for the 5-2 final.

Midwestern State continues play in the NSU Softball Festival at 4:30 p.m. with a matchup against Lindenwood (Mo.) at Tahlequah High School.