HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The Wichita State softball team defeated Sam Houston State 3-0 in game two of the Bearkat Classic with Bailee Nickerson going 3-for-3 at the plate and pitcher Bailey Lange striking out six. 

The Shockers came out swinging early with a lineout and groundout getting the first two batters, before Laurie Derrico's eight pitch at-bat ending in her third hit of the year; a double down the right line. The Shockers couldn't capitalize so Bailey Lange stepped into the circle, getting the Bearkats swinging early after allowing a leadoff walk. 

The Shocker bats kept moving without getting on base, two groundouts and a flyout ended the top half of the second with Lange getting her first two strikeouts in the bottom half. 

Bailee Nickerson continued her strong run of at-bats with a leadoff double in the top of the third, a sacrifice bunt by Morgan Palmer getting her to third, but two groundouts kept the Shockers off the scoreboard. 

The top of the fourth ended in a similar manner. Madison Perrigan singled for her third hit of the year to get on base before being caught stealing. A fly out and groundout ended the top half before Lange allowed her first hit of the evening in the bottom half. A groundout and her third and fourth strikeouts kept the score at 0-0. 

Nickerson again led off with a hit in the fifth, singling through the left side with an error on a Mackenzie Wright swing getting her home. Ryleigh Buck singled to get on base and Derrico reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases. Perrigan flew out to center field to get Wright home, making it 2-0. 

Lange's fifth strikeout in the bottom half kept the Bearkats at bay before she grounded out in the top of the sixth. Asea Webber cracked a double to deep center followed by another Nickerson single. However, the Shockers would leave two runners in scoring position.

In the top of the seventh, Buck led off with a single and Derrico crushing one to deep left field for her second double of the evening. Caitlin Bingham flew out to center field to score Buck, making it 3-0. The bottom half ended with a smart double play by Kaylee Huecker tagging a runner and then throwing to Buck at first with Lange's sixth strikeout finishing the game.

The Shockers improved to 3-3 overall and will continue day two of the Bearkat Classic with a doubleheader; Northern Colorado at 10:00 a.m. and Seton Hall at 12:15 p.m.