#3 USAO Splits Double Header Against #9 OLLU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday afternoon, the No. 3 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (18-4, 8-0 SAC) split a double-header against No. 9 ranked Our Lady of the Lake University (26-6, 12-0 RRAC). The Drovers had their 11-game win streak snapped with a heart breaking 3-2 loss in the opener, followed by a thrilling 6-5 triumph against the defending national champs in game two.

USAO and OLLU have become familiar foes over recent years, with the Saints controlling a 6-3 advantage in the all-time series, dating to 2020. The Drovers and Saints met three times last season, with USAO losing twice at OLLU during the regular season in San Antionio. The Saints then defeated the Drovers 4-3 in extra innings at the NAIA World Series, prior to OLLU winning the National Championship. 

So far this season, the Drovers own a 5-4 record against opponents that are ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. USAO now owns wins against No. 4 Northwestern, No. 7 Cumberlands, No. 9 OLLU, No. 12 Hope International, and No. 17 Missouri Baptist.

GAME 1

The Drovers led for nearly the entire contest, until the Saints struck for the go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the seventh to claim a 3-2 win. 

USAO captured an early lead with one run in the bottom of the first inning as Kinzie Williams drove in Malea McMurtrey with a single to up the middle. The score remained 1-0 until the bottom of the fifth when USAO doubled its lead as Williams drove in McMurtrey once again. 

OLLU cut their deficit to 2-1 with a solo-homer in the top of the sixth, prior to launching the go-ahead homer in the top of the seventh. The Saints shut down the Drover offense in the bottom of the seventh to shock the home crowd. 

As a team, the Drovers offense produced seven hits and reached two walks, while the Saints strung together eight hits and walked twice. OLLU committed one fielding error, while USAO's defense was unblemished. 

Sophie Williams got the start in the circle for USAO and had her shutout streak snapped after 26.2 innings. Williams went all 7.0 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits and she struck out six batters.

USAO's offense was led by a trio of two-hit performances from Malea McMurtrey, Leighanne Eaton, and Shaylann Grace. McMutrey added a triple, a walk, a stolen base, and a pair of runs scored. Eaton concluded 2-3 with a pair of singles, while Grace went 2-2 with a double and a walk. 

Kinzie Williams finished 1-3 with a pair of runs batted in. 

GAME 2 

After trailing early on, the Drovers rallied for six runs in the middle of the game and had to cling to the lead in the final innings to preserve the 6-5 victory. 

After a scoreless first inning, OLLU jumped out to an early lead with one run in the top of the second.

The Saints maintained a 1-0 lead until the bottom of the third when the Drovers brought across four runs. OLLU then cut USAO's lead to 4-3 in the top of the fourth, prior to tying the score at 4-4 in the top of the fifth. 

Sierra Selfridge then launched a clutch two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to give the Drovers a 6-4 lead late in the game.

Once again, the Saints made things interesting with another run in the top of the sixth, prior to stranding the bases loaded in the seventh.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 10 hits and reached on one walk, while the Saints tallied a dozen hits and drew four walks. USAO committed one fielding error, while OLLU was perfect on defense. 

Aubree Ferguson got the start in the circle and delivered 4.0 innings of work, allowing four runs on seven hits and struck out two batters. Jayden Anderson pitched the final 3.0 innings to earn the win, surrendering just one run on five hits and she struck out one batter.

The Drover offense was highlighted by four multi-hit performances, including Kinzie Williams' perfect 3-3 showing at the plate. Williams stole three bases and scored twice. Sierra Selfridge concluded 2-3 with a home run and three runs batted in. Leighanne Eaton went 2-3 with a run scored and two runs batted in, while Shaylann Grace went 2-3 with a pair of doubles and a run batted in. 

Taylor Cronic delivered stellar defense and went 1-3 at the plate with a single.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now make the short trip to OKC to face their rival No. 5 Oklahoma City University on March 21-22 at Ann Lacy Stadium. First pitch of Friday's double-header is scheduled for 2:00 PM CT, followed by game two at 4:00 PM CT. Saturday's games are scheduled for 12:00PM CT and 2:00 PM CT.

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