Since Oklahoma Christian University joined the Heartland Conference, the Lady Eagles softball team has never defeated Lubbock Christian University twice in the same day. Friday, the Lady Eagles obliterated that record by claiming two victories over the Lady Chaps in the opening day of a three-game conference series at Tom Heath Field.
The two wins came on Oklahoma Christian’s pink-out day to raise awareness for those struggling with breast cancer. According to junior Madison Nordyke, the pink holds a special place in the heart of the Lady Eagles.
“It especially is important to us because we have three girls whose families have been affected by cancer,” Nordyke said. “Also, all the money that was raised on that day was given to a family who is battling cancer right now.”
The first game of the series opened with the Lady Eagles scoring early with two runs after two innings. Junior Sheridan Bond and sophomore Lacey Davidson each scored one run for the Lady Eagles. The Lady Chaparrals answered in the top of the fifth inning with one run, but failed to score again and the Lady Eagles won the first game 2-1.
From the pitcher’s mound, sophomore Madison Hagood (12-7) allowed the Lady Chaparrals just six hits. She also threw four strikeouts in the Lady Eagle victory.
In the second game of the series on Friday, Nordyke (5-5) pitched a scoreless six consecutive innings, leading the Lady Eagles to the second victory over the Lady Chaparrals. Nordyke allowed Lubbock only six hits and two runs.
Nordkye scored the first run for the Lady Eagles in the bottom of the fourth inning off of a throwing error by the Lady Chaparrals.
A single by senior Kayla Eichler in the top of the seventh inning allowed freshman Kenysha Noland and Nordkye to score two runs. The Lady Eagles claimed the second game win over the Lady Chaparras, 3-2.
Nordyke attributed the strong pitching performances from her and Hagood to the great defensive performance by the Lady Eagles.
“I think the pitching was so good because we relied on our defense,” Nordyke said. “If it was not for our defense, we would not have been able to do that good.”
Currently, Lubbock leads the Heartland Conference in team batting average at .316. On Saturday, their batting strength appeared as the Lady Eagles suffered the third-game run-rule loss, 1-11.
Despite the loss on Saturday, the Lady Eagles claimed the series victory over Lubbock to move them into contention for the Heartland Conference league title.
The Lady Eagles look to maintain their top conference standings as they travel to Austin, TX, to play St. Edward’s University Wednesday and Thursday.
Statistics provided by the Oklahoma Christian University Sports Information office.
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