2022 NFCA Division II National Coach of the Year Rogers State Head Softball Coach Andrea Vaughan announced the 2023 schedule on Tuesday. The defending National Champions will face off against at least five teams that made the 2022 NCAA Tournament during the 2023 campaign.
“We have a well-rounded schedule this year with quality non-conference opponents mixed with some tough regional matchups,” said Vaughan. “I am very excited about taking the team to Florida this season where we were invited to compete in The Spring Games in March. My hope is to play some teams we have never faced before while there as well as give Rogers State more exposure across the country. As always, I try to build a schedule that will prepare us and ultimately give us the best chance to strongly compete in the postseason. Once again, we will have our sights set on another MIAA Championship and ultimately another national championship.”
The Hillcats will begin their title defense at home on Feb. 7 as they play host to Cameron in a season-opening doubleheader. Other non-conference home games include doubleheaders against Northwestern Oklahoma State (Feb. 22), Arkansas Tech (March 7) and Southwestern Oklahoma State (March 21).
RSU will go on the road for the first time in 2023 as they travel to Bentonville, Ark. for the Alvy Early/UAM Softball Classic. On Feb. 10 they will face off against Drury and William Jewell. They will take on Harding and Arkansas Tech on Feb. 11. They will close out the tournament against Truman State and Southeastern Oklahoma State on Feb. 12.
The Hillcats will travel south for the OC/UCO Invitational beginning on Feb. 17 where they will meetup with Southeastern Oklahoma State in Bethany, Okla. On Feb. 18, they will go up against Southern Arkansas and Southwestern Oklahoma State in Edmond, Okla. They close out the tournament on Feb. 19 against Arkansas Tech and host Southern Nazarene in Bethany, Okla.
On March 2-4, RSU will travel to Clermont, Fla. to compete in the prestigious The Springs Games tournament. While there, they will play six games over three days against opponents that will be announced at a later date.
Other non-conference road trips include stops in Kansas City, Mo. against Rockhurst on April 4 and in Rolla, Mo. for a meeting with Missouri S&T on April 11.
The Hillcats will begin the MIAA slate on the road as they travel to Tahlequah, Okla. on March 11 for a doubleheader against rival Northeastern State. Other league road trips include stops at Pittsburg State (March 24), Missouri Southern (March 25), Lincoln (March 31), Central Missouri (April 1), Fort Hays State (April 28) and Nebraska-Kearney (April 29) to close out the regular season.
RSU will welcome Missouri Western to the Diamond Sports Complex on April 7 for the MIAA home opener. Other league home doubleheaders include visits from Northwest Missouri (April 8), Newman (April 14), Central Oklahoma (April 15), Emporia State (April 21) and Washburn (April 22).
The MIAA Tournament is scheduled for May 3-7 in Topeka, Kan.
