The Oklahoma Christian University softball team fell short all three times in the three-game series against St. Edward’s University on Friday and Saturday.
According to Head Coach Tom Heath, Oklahoma Christian put up a good fight.
“I was proud of our effort today,” Heath said. “We competed all afternoon and made some very good defensive plays.”
After a close 2-2 game in regular innings, Friday’s game went into extra innings. The Lady Hilltoppers homered in the bottom of the eighth to seal the first game with a 3-2 win.
In Saturday’s opener, Haley Squier took the mound and contributed one strikeout, while reliever Madison Nordyke retired eight batters for Oklahoma Christian. According to Heath, the pitchers were key for the Lady Eagles.
“Our pitching staff of Shea Coats, Haley Squier and Taylor Mosher kept us in all three games and gave us an opportunity to win,” Heath said.
Kendra Pierce scored Oklahoma Christian’s only run in the opening game, resulting in a 4-1 loss for the Lady Eagles. According to Coats, St. Edward’s pitcher Sarah Debrow was one of the biggest obstacles.
“We have great hitters, but their pitcher kept us off balance at the plate,” Coats said. “She is a good pitcher.”
Pierce scored the only run for the Lady Eagles in the second game at top of the fourth off a single from Nordyke.
Coats pitched the entire second game and recorded seven strikeouts. Heath said Coats had a good game in the circle.
Heath said every aspect of the defense was essential for the Lady Eagles.
“Outfielders Courtney Starr and Monique Elliott made some outstanding plays in the outfield and Pierce and Sheridan Bond did the same in the infield,” Heath said.
Pierce’s run gave Oklahoma Christian the lead until St. Edward’s answered with a run in the sixth to tie it up. In the ninth, the Lady Hilltoppers hit a line drive to left field for a double, and a single to center field to take the lead. St. Edward’s defeated the Lady Eagles 2-1 in the second game.
According to Heath, offensive timing was not in the Lady Eagles’ favor.
“We had a tough time getting the timely hitting with runners in scoring position,” Heath said. “We had some key hits from Nordyke, Elliott and Jordan Chism.”
Coats said she hopes to see the strengths continue to improve throughout the season.
“Our defense was great,” Coats said. “We made tough plays and stayed focused the entire game. Our focus is just to continue to play together and build on the chemistry we have.”
The Lady Eagles will face Oklahoma Wesleyan University on Monday at 1 p.m.
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