WICHITA - The Newman softball team opened its final series of the season by making a statement with an 8-0 five-inning run rule win over Oklahoma Panhandle State Saturday night at NU Softball Field.

After waiting an hour and 20 minutes for a rain shower to move through the area, Newman (3-34, 2-17 Heartland) went straight to work. Allison Thummel allowed two Oklahoma Panhandle State (3-43, 1-17 Heartland) base runners in the top of the first, but escaped the inning unharmed.

Amy Bullerman became Newman's first base runner of the game in the home half of the first, reaching base on a walk from OPSU's Joni Stegman. Bullerman tested the arm of OPSU catcher Kara Nugent by beating out a throw for a stolen base, and eventually scored on a Tracey Stefanski single to second base. After the opening frame, the Jets led 1-0.

The Jets added three more runs in the third, which started with another Bullerman walk. This time, no stolen base was needed, as Bullerman advanced to third on a Lauren Rorebeck double that needed just three more inches to clear the right center field fence. A Stefanski walk loaded the bases. After taking advantage of a wild pitch that scored Bullerman, Amy Schneider tagged a single up the middle that pushed Rorebeck and Stefanski across the plate as well. After the third frame, the Jets held a 4-0 advantage.

Newman kept plugging away in the fourth. Another Lauren Rorebeck double, this time to left field, allowed Bullerman, who reached base on a walk for the third-straight time, and and Brianna Hallacy, who reached on a fielder's choice, to score, giving the Jets a 6-0 lead, and putting run rule on their minds. Schneider made sure the run rule became a reality with a single through the right side that scored Stefanski, who reached on a walk, and Rorebeck to give the Jets an 8-0 lead after four innings.

Thummel completed her first shutout of the season by retiring the Aggies in order in the fifth to secure the win for the Jets. Thummel allowed just two hits while walking three and striking out seven to improve to 3-22 this season.

Schneider and Rorebeck led the Jets offensively. Both finished two-for-three at the plate. Schneider added four runs batted in, while Rorebeck added two runs scored and two RBI.

The Jets and Aggies will conclude the series with a Sunday afternoon doubleheader. First pitch is slated for noon at the NU Softball Field.