Win Streak Reaches Nine Games as #3 USAO Sweeps SCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday evening, the No. 3 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (28-6, 18-2 SAC) extended its win streak to nine with a double-header sweep against Southwestern Christian University (21-13, 12-10 SAC). The Drovers opened the series with a 7-1 win, followed by a 6-1 victory in game two. With the sweep, the Drovers improve to 49-1 against the Eagles all-time, including 34 consecutive wins against SCU since 2016.

During USAO's current win streak, they have outscored their opponents 81-20. Through 34 games this season, USAO has tallied 10 or more hits on 15 different occasions, and during the current nine-game win streak, they have tallied at least 10 hits seven times. 

GAME 1

The Drovers overcame a slow start and scored seven unanswered runs to claim a 7-1 win in the series opener. 

The Eagles got off to a hot start and scored their only run of the game in the top of the first inning. SCU controlled a 1-0 advantage until the bottom of the fourth when USAO rallied for five runs, prior to scoring their final two runs in the fifth inning.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 10 hits and did not walk, while the Eagles tallied only six hits and walked twice. USAO was perfect on defense, while SCU committed one fielding error.

Sophie Williams got the start in the circle for USAO and pitched all 7.0 innings, surrendering one run on six hits and she struck out six batters to improve her record to 14-3 this season. In her stellar career, Williams owns an 85-22 record, along with a 1.36 earned run average and 836 strikeouts in 683.2 innings of work.

USAO's offense was led by four two-hit performances, including Kinzie Williams' 2-3 showing that included two doubles and two runs scored. Sierra Selfridge and Sophie Williams each finished 2-3 with a pair of runs batted in. Shaylann Grace continued to swing a hot bat, going 2-3 with a double, a run scored, and a run batted in.

Jadyn Goucher went 1-3 with a run scored and a run batted in, while Taygan Graham went 1-3 with a run batted in.

GAME 2 

The Drovers scored early and often as they cruised to a 6-1 win in game two of the series. 

After holding the Eagles scoreless in the top of the first inning, the Drovers struck first with one run in the bottom half of the first. USAO extended the lead to 3-0 with a two-RBI single from Malea McMurtrey in the bottom of the second.

The Drovers doubled their lead with a three-run rally in the bottom of the fifth, highlighted by a two-run homer from Shaylann Grace. The Eagles scored their only run in the top of the seventh inning.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced seven hits and reached on four walks, while the Eagles tallied six hits and walked three times. SCU's defense committed a pair of fielding errors, while USAO was perfect on defense. 

USAO's offense was led by a 2-3 performance from Malea McMurtrey. She concluded 2-3 with a walk, two runs scored, and two runs batted in. 

Shaylann Grace finished 1-2 with her fourth homer of the season, as well as a walk and two runs batted in. Grace currently owns a seven-game hit streak and during that time she is 13-21 (.619) with two doubles, three home runs, seven runs scored, and 14 runs batted in.

Sierra Selfridge went 1-3 with a double, while Jadyn Goucher went 1-3 with a triple. Kinzie Williams and Jaylee Willis each singled and scored in the win. 

Jayden Anderson got the start in the circle for USAO and went 7.0 innings to improve her record to 8-2 this season. Anderson allowed just one run on six hits, and she struck out five batters. In her career, Anderson owns a 23-4 record, along with a 1.69 earned run average and 156 strikeouts in 181.1 innings of work.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers and Eagles will conclude the four-game series with a double-header on Monday, April 7 at Bill Smith Ballpark. First pitch of the twin bill is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT. 

Stay up to date on all USAO Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers