CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Katie Raper move into a tie for the sixth-most home runs in a single season with her 13th of 2026; however, Austin Peay State University's softball team dropped an 11-5 decision to Middle Tennessee, Tuesday, at Cathi Maynard Park.
Middle Tennessee (15-21) scored four runs in the top of the first on an RBI single and three-run home run two batters later. Emilee Baker then led off the bottom of the frame and was later brought around the bases on Raper's home run over the left field wall, cutting the APSU deficit in half.
Two innings later, Brie Howard, Sammie Shelander, and Raper opened the third reaching base courtesy of two singles and a hit by pitch – Shelander's eighth HBP this season – and Natalie Burns drove in two on a single to right field, tying the game at four.
The Blue Raiders answered the Govs' pair of runs with three in the top of the fourth following a pair of APSU errors and two MTSU hits. The Blue Raiders then extended their lead to 11-4 following a four-run sixth.
In the final inning, Kiley Hinton singled to the pitcher, driving in Howard from third, but the next two batters went down following a fly out and ground out, respectively, resulting in the loss.
Raper and Howard paced the Govs with two hits, with Raper and Burns also leading the team with a pair of RBI. Emma Thompson got the start in the circle, tossing 0.2 innings, while Mimi Blackledge threw 3.0 innings in the decision. Cameron Grayson also tossed 3.1 innings, allowing no earned runs and tossing three strikeouts.
Up Next
Austin Peay closes as seven-game homestand when its hosts Lipscomb for Senior Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, at Cathi Maynard Park. The series against the Bisons begins with a 2 p.m., Saturday doubleheader and concludes with a 1 p.m., Sunday game. Senior Day festivities will begin following Sunday's contest.
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