USAO softball (28-12, 18-6 SAC) was back home for the first time in almost a month as they haven’t played at home since March 25th. The Drovers faced off against Mid-America Christian University (MACU) (28-12, 13-9 SAC). The last time these teams faced each other they split their double-header and only won by one run each game. Tuesday night’s game were similar in fashion.

The first game was a low scoring one, but USAO had their moments. The first score didn’t come until the bottom of the third inning as Sophie Williams hit a solo homerun towards left field to give USAO the 1-0 lead. The next run wouldn’t come until the bottom of the fourth as Sierra Selfridge hit a single, leading Tyler Trott home. MACU would respond in the fifth inning and tie the game at 2-2. With game tied from the fifth inning on, extra innings would be needed. MACU would strike first in the ninth inning, but USAO would secure the lead and victory with a double to right field from Selfridge, leading to runs by Jadyn Goucher and Isabela Portillo. Drovers win 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning.

USAO’s offense picked the right moments to shine bright with eight hits for game one. Williams homered while Fridge walked off with a double in the ninth inning. The duo recorded one RBI and three RBIs respectively. Other teammates Malea McMurtrey, Slater Eck, and Goucher used their speed to earn one stolen base each.

USAO’s ace Sophie Williams threw all nine innings. Williams allowed three runs on five hits, walked one, and struck out 13 batters. She threw 93 strikes across 134 pitches.

The second game of the series started on the wrong foot as MACU opened the scoring with two runs scored off a throwing error in the first inning. The score remained 2-0 until the bottom of the third, McMurtrey attempted a SAC bunt to move Jaylee Willis closer to home; however, McMurtrey advanced on the fielder’s choice and Willis came home. The Drovers would then take the lead as Gray hit a two-run bomb to center field giving USAO the 3-2 lead. Things went south for USAO after the third inning concluded. MACU would take the lead back at the top of the fourth inning, then proceeded to have a good fifth inning scoring four runs while USAO didn’t score at all. MACU would extend the lead even more in the sixth inning as they scored their tenth run of the game. USAO would try to respond late in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run homerun from Tyler Trott. It wasn’t enough as MACU would win 10-5 and split the series with USAO.

The Drovers recorded six hits for game two. Gray and Trott sent balls over the fence to earn themselves each a hit and two RBIs apiece, while McMurtrey earned herself a single RBI.

Lauryn Cottrell started game two and stayed for 4.2 innings. Cottrell allowed seven runs on eight hits, walked three, and struck out four. Abi Gregory toed the rubber for an inning, in which she allowed three runs off two hits, walked four, and struck out three. The conclude the game, Katelyn Trumbley pitched 1.1 innings. Trumbley allowed zero runs off one hit and struck out one.

The Drovers will be back at Bill Smith Ballpark starting Friday, April 21st at 5 p.m. against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU). The second game of the night is schedule for 7 p.m. The series will continue Saturday, April 22nd with two more games beginning at noon and 2 p.m.

Preston Palm is a second-year Communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.