Drovers Split Top Five Twin Bill on Final Day of NAIA SB Invitational
SHAWNEE, Okla. – Sunday afternoon, the No. 2 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-2, 0-0 SAC) wrapped up the NAIA SB Invitational with a double-header split against No. 3 ranked University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) and No. 4 ranked Oregon Institute of Technology. The Drovers opened the day with a dominant 10-2 victory against Cumberlands, followed by a 4-0 loss against Oregon Tech in the finale.
GAME 1 vs #3 UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS (6-3, 0-0 MSC)
USAO was dominant from start to finish against Cumberlands, powering their way to a 10-2 triumph.
The Drovers were quick to strike in the first game of the day, bringing across three runs in the bottom of the first inning, highlighted by a leadoff triple from Malea McMurtrey, as well as a pair of RBI-doubles from Sierra Selfridge and Shaylann Grace.
USAO's bats stayed hot in the bottom of the second as they scored three more runs. Leighanne Eaton drove in two runs with a single, followed by another RBI-double from Sierra Selfridge.
The score remained 6-0 until the top of the fifth when Cumberlands connected on a two-run home run.
USAO rallied for four runs in the bottom of the fifth, ending the game early due to the "mercy rule".
As a team, the Drovers offense produced 10 hits and reached on seven walks, while the Patriots tallied only three hits and drew four walks. Cumberlands committed one fielding error, while USAO was perfect on defense.
Sophie Williams got the start in the circle for USAO and pitched all 5.0 innings, allowing only two runs on three hits, and she struck out three batters.
The Drover offense was led by a trio of multi-hit performances in the middle of the lineup. Kenzie Williams concluded 3-4 with a run scored and a run batted in. Sierra Selfridge finished 2-3 with a double, a walk, a run scored, and four runs batted in. Leighanne Eaton went 2-2 with two walks, two runs scored, and two runs batted in.
Malea McMurtrey went 1-3 with a triple, a walk, and three runs scored. Jordan Ramsay closed 1-2 with a double, a walk, a run scored, and two runs batted in, while Shaylann Grace went 1-2 with a double and a run batted in.
GAME 2 vs #4 OREGON TECH (7-1, 0-0 CCC)
After the game began with a scoreless first inning, the Owls claimed the lead with a three-run rally in the bottom of the second inning, followed by one more run in the third as they cruised to a 4-0 win.
As a team, the Drovers offense was held to only three hits and reached on three walks, while the Owls tallied eight hits and drew one walk. Oregon Tech was perfect on defense, while USAO made one fielding error.
Jayden Anderson got the start in the circle for the Drovers and was dealt her first loss of the season. Anderson went 1.1 innings, and surrendered two earned runs, prior to being relieved by Sophie Williams for the final 4.2 innings. Williams allowed only one run on five hits, and she struck out three batters.
Three different Drovers recorded a hit against Oregon Tech. Leighanne Eaton connected on a double and finished 1-3 at the plate. Shaylann Grace went 1-1 with a pair of walks, while Sierra Selfridge finished 1-3.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Drovers will return home to host No. 11 Northwestern College (IA) on Monday, February 24 at Bill Smith Ballpark. First pitch of the double-header is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT.
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