#2 USAO Splits Double-Header Against #11 Northwestern
CHICKASHA, Okla. – Monday afternoon, the No. 2 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-3, 0-0 SAC) hosted their home-opener and split the double-header against No. 11 ranked Northwestern College (15-1, 0-0 GPAC). The Drovers opened the day with a disappointing 7-1 loss, followed by a 7-6 walk-off victory in the finale.
USAO has had arguably the most difficult schedule in the NAIA so far this season, with seven of their first ten games coming against opponents ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. Currently, the Drovers own a 4-3 record against ranked opponents, including wins against No. 3 Cumberlands, No. 11 Northwestern, No. 17 Hope International, and RV Missouri Baptist.
USAO's three loses have been at the hands of No. 4 Oregon Tech, No. 5 Southern Oregon, and No. 11 Northwestern.
GAME 1
The first game of the day began with a pair of scoreless innings, prior to Northwestern taking lead with one run in the top of the third inning. The Drovers tied the score at 1-1 as Kenzie Williams scored on a passed ball, but it was unfortunately USAO's only run of the game.
The Red Raiders rallied for five runs in the top of the fifth to take a commanding 6-1 lead. Northwestern scored the game's final run in the top of the sixth inning, prior to using pitching and defense to put the game away.
As a team, the Drovers offense produced only four hits and did not reach base on any walks, while the Red Raiders tallied eight hits and drew seven walks. Northwestern was perfect on defense, while USAO committed one fielding error.
Sophie Williams got the start in the circle for USAO and pitched 4.1 innings. Williams surrendered two earned runs on five hits, and she struck out five batters. Abi Gregory entered in relief in the fifth, prior to Jayden Anderson taking over for the final 2.2 innings.
Shaylann Grace finished 1-3 with a double at the plate, while Malea McMurtrey, Kinzie Williams, and Sierra Selfridge each concluded 1-3 with singles.
GAME 2
The second game of the day began with two scoreless innings, prior to USAO claiming the lead with a five-run rally in the bottom of the third inning. However, Northwestern responded with a five-run inning of their own in the top of the sixth inning to pull the score even.
The Red Raiders proceeded to take the lead with one run in the top of the seventh inning. Down but not out, the Drovers rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh to claim the walk-off win. Kenzie Williams drove in the tying run, followed by the game-winning hit from Leighanne Eaton, scoring Sierra Selfridge.
As a team, the Drovers offense generated 12 hits and did not reach the bases on any walks, while the Red Raiders tallied 14 hits and drew three walks. USAO was perfect on defense, while NWC made one fielding error.
Aubree Ferguson made her first career start at Bill Smith Ballpark, and delivered five shutout innings, before Northwestern rallied for five runs in the sixth. The freshman surrendered 11 hits and struck out six batters in her home debut. Jayden Anderson pitched the final 1.1 innings and earned the win as she allowed only one run on three hits.
The Drover offense was led by five multi-hit performances, including Sierra Selfridge's 3-4 outing at the plate, which included a pair of doubles, a run scored, and two runs batted in. Malea McMurtrey concluded 2-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and a run batted in, while Leighanne Eaton went 2-4 with a double, a run scored, and two runs batted in. Shaylann Grace finished 2-3 with a pair of singles, and Kenzie Williams went 2-4 with a run scored and a run batted in.
Jordan Ramsay went 1-3 with a stolen base and a run scored.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Drovers will return to action and begin conference play on Friday, March 7 as they begin a four-game series at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas. First pitch of the double-header is scheduled for 2:00 PM CT, followed by a 4:00 PM CT start time for game two.
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