Drovers Sweep Double-Header to Win Series Against OPSU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the No. 9 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (31-13, 21-7 SAC) wrapped up the four-game series with a double-header sweep against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (24-21, 16-12 SAC). The Drovers claimed a dominant 9-0 victory in the five-inning first game, followed by an exciting 9-1 win in the five-inning series finale.

The conference foes opened the series with a double-header split on Friday night, with the Drovers winning 9-3 in the series opener, followed by a 3-2 win for the Aggies in game two.

The Drovers are now 25-2 against the Aggies all-time, dating back to March 1, 2017.

The Drovers remain in second place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 3.5 games back of OCU, with four games remaining in the regular season. The Aggies began the weekend in third place, but dropped to fifth after losing the series.

-GAME 1-

The Drovers got off to a great start and scored a trio of runs in the bottom of the first inning. Science & Arts extended the lead to 7-0 by scoring two runs in the second inning, followed by three more in the third. 

USAO added its final run in the bottom of the fourth, prior to holding OPSU scoreless in the top of the fifth, enforcing the "mercy rule".

Sophie Williams and Abi Gregory were a stellar duo in the circle for the Drovers. Williams earned the win and surrendered only two hits, while striking out four batters in 3.0 innings. Gregory did not allow a hit and she struck out three batters in 2.0 innings.

As a team, the Drovers compiled 10 hits, and Jaclyn Gray led the way with a trio of hits. Gray concluded 3-3 with a triple, a run scored, and four runs batted in.

Malea McMurtrey and Sophie Williams finished with identical stat lines, going 1-2 with a pair of runs scored and a run batted in.

Sierra Selfridge blasted a RBI-double and finished 1-3 with a run scored. Jaylee Willis and Tyler Trott each singled and scored in 1-3 performances. Jaycee Kievit and Taygan Graham each singled and drove in a run.
 

-GAME 2-

After falling in the first game of the day, the Aggies responded by scoring once in the top of the first inning. 

The Drovers tied the score at 1-1 with a run in the bottom of the second inning.

Science & Arts began to gain some separation in the third and fourth innings, scoring four times in the third inning, followed by three more in the fourth. 

USAO pushed the lead to 9-1 with their final run in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Sophie Williams and Abi Gregory both performed well in the series finale. Williams improved to 15-6 as she allowed only one run and struck out four batters in 4.0 innings. Gregory delivered a scoreless fifth inning and she struck out two batters.

As a team, USAO strung together nine hits, coming from seven different players. Jaclyn Gray once again led the way, going 2-3 with a pair of runs and three runs batted in. 

Sierra Selfridge also had a terrific game at the plate, going 2-3 with a homerun and three runs batted in. 

Malea McMutrey continued to swing a hot-bat and finished 1-3 with a pair of runs scored and a run batted in. 

Slater Eck singled and scored twice, while Tyler Trott singled and scored once. Jaycee Kievit went 1-3 with a double, and Taygan Graham concluded 1-3 with a RBI.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will hit the road on Monday, April 24 for a pair of road games at Langston University. First pitch of the double-header is scheduled for 2:00 PM.

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