The Oklahoma Christian University softball team recorded a 7-2 win against Midwestern State University before the second game was called due to field conditions.
According to Head Coach Tom Heath, the Lady Eagles went out with the intent to win on Tuesday.
“Our strengths today were strong pitching and timely hitting,” Heath said. “The mentality was to play good defense behind Shea Coats, attack the ball offensively, score early in the game and add to the lead throughout the game.”
In the opener, there were no hits until the third inning. Oklahoma Christian took the lead in the third when Niki Davidson homered to left field with Jordan Chism on base, scoring two runs.
According to Assistant Coach Jessica Ruckman, the Lady Eagles knew they would have to give extra backup on the field.
“We knew this team had some good hitters, but we also knew we could put some runs on the board,” Ruckman said. “We focused on putting the ball in play and scoring some extra runs to give our pitcher and defense a little support.”
Midwestern State answered with a run in the top of the fourth, trailing behind the Lady Eagles 2-1.
Kelsie Finch ended game one with three RBIs, while Davidson contributed two for the Lady Eagles. According to Sheridan Bond, the Lady Eagles have been finding their chemistry and playing comfortably.
“The first game we came out with a relaxed personality,” Bond said. “We have constantly stressed staying positive and making the routine plays and letting everything else fall into place.”
Oklahoma Christian added two runs in the bottom of the fifth as Finch scored on a flyout and Davidson scored as Starr singled to left field.
Chism and Bond added runs for the Lady Eagles in the sixth to secure a 7-2 win against Midwestern State University in the opener.
Coats recorded the win as she pitched ten strikeouts for the Lady Eagles. Bond said Coats, Davidson and Pierce were all key players for the Lady Eagles.
“Shea threw an awesome first game,” Bond said. “Niki was extremely hot at the plate and Kendra made some great defensive plays at short-stop.”
In game two, complications with the pitching lane added a 20-minute delay, which led to the umpires ending the game. According to Bond, the Lady Eagles still came out strong.
“The second game we came out relaxed as well, but with a little bit more confidence,” Bond said. “It’s always fun to step on the field knowing that the pressure is off of you and on the other team.”
Oklahoma Christian led 2-1 in the bottom of the third inning until the game was called.
“One of the strengths we have shown all year is perseverance,” Bond said. “This is a team that continues to fight until the last pitch.”
The Lady Eagles will begin a home series against Lubbock Christian University on Friday with a double-header at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
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