USAO Softball News


Drovers Askins, Pendley named All-American
Drovers Close 2004 Chapter With 49 Wins
USAO Suffers 9-3 Loss to No. 2 Simon Fraser
USAO Grabs Win Number 2 in Marathon Game
Minton's double gives USAO 3-1 win at Nationals
Drovers ready for action in Decatur
USAO Earns No. 3 Seed in 1st Trip to National Tournament
USAO Wins Softball Regional Championship
USAO Claims First Round Regional Win
USAO Seeded No. 2 in Regional Softball Tourney
USAO Trio Sweeps SAC Softball Awards
Softball Team Earns Bye Into Regional Tourney
Askins Tabbed Softball Pitcher, Player of Week
Softball Team gets two wins at Challenge Games
Softball Team clinches 1st SAC Title
Softball Team Blows Past SNU
Softball Team Gets Split With No. 8 OCU
Softball Team Splits Doubleheader With Northwestern
Softball Team Splits Twin Bill With St. Gregory¹s
USAO Moves Up to No. 5 in NAIA Softball Poll
Softball Team Sweeps No. 23 St. Gregory's
Pendley Keys Softball Team to Wins over SNU
USAO ranked No. 6 in NAIA Softball Poll
Pendley named SAC Softball Player of the Week
Softball Team goes 4-0 at Avila College Tourney
Drovers jump to No. 7 in NAIA poll
Softball Team sweeps Oklahoma Baptist
Gregory, Pendley Capture SAC Softball Honors
Softball Team upsets No. 5 OCU
USAO moves to No. 15 in NAIA Softball Poll
Softball Team sweeps Oklahoma Christian
Softball Team splits doubleheader with Northwestern
Softball Team wins Silver Bracket at Gulf Coast Invitational Tournament
Softball Team takes loss, Tie with Bacone
Softball easily dispatches York, Neb.
Softball Team sweeps doubleheader over OC
USAO pair captures weekly softball honors
Softball Team goes 4-1 at OBU Tourney
Softball Team off to 7-0 start
Softball Team sweeps East Central
Softball Team wins three at Panhandle Tourney
Head Coach Julie Vergenz Receives 2003 Region IV Co-Coach of the Year
Softball Team goes 4-1 in Oklahoma Shootout- September 29, 2003
Softball Team off to 4-0 start in fall- September 17, 2003
Softball Regional Tournament Bracket- May 7, 2003
Softball Team jumps to No. 19- May 7, 2003
Vergenz named SAC's top Softball Coach; 6 Drovers make All-Conference Team- May 5, 2003

Drovers Askins, Pendley named All-American - May 28, 2004
Coming off the best season in the USAO softball program¹s eight-year history, two Drovers can now add ³All-American² to their playing resumes. This week, sophomore Dana Askins and senior Jamie Pendley became USAO softball¹s first-ever All-American selections. Askins earned first-team honors as a utility player, while Pendley was named a second-team pitcher. The Drovers finished the season with a program-best 49-11-1 record, along with their first-ever Sooner Athletic Conference and Region VI championships. USAO was ranked No. 5 in the final NAIA poll of the season, and was seeded third in the 2004 NAIA national tournament. In their first appearance in the tournament, the Drovers beat Webber International (Fla.) 3-1 in the first round and got past College of St. Scholastica (Minn.) 1-0 in a 13-inning marathon. USAO¹s record-breaking season ended with a 9-3 loss to No. 2 Simon Fraser and a 1-0 setback against No. 9 Oklahoma City. Askins, the SAC and Region VI Player of the Year, finished the season with a team-high .454 batting average (82-for-184) and was second on the team with a 0.94 earned run average (ERA). The left-hander from Moore, who also plays first base, was 15-6, with 154 strikeouts and just 18 walks. She also posted a team-high 43 RBIs, 17 doubles, five triples and seven home runs. In USAO¹s win over St. Scholatisca, Askins threw a perfect game into the seventh, while striking out 18 batters one shy of the tournament record of 19. She started three of the Drovers¹ four games, posting a 1-2 record and 26 strikeouts, and making the All-Tournament team. In addition, Askins was named first team All-SAC. Pendley, the SAC Pitcher of the Year, finished 2004 with a team-high 0.90 ERA. The right-hander from Rush Springs posted a 19-2 record, while collecting 149 strikeouts to 24 walks. A good hitter, she also plays first base and finished with a .317 batting average, along with 32 RBIs, 15 doubles, two triples and two home runs. Pendley appeared in three of USAO¹s four tournament games with a 1-0 record. She picked up her 19th win in the Drovers¹ 3-1 victory over Webber International (Fla.) In her nine innings at the tournament, Pendley struck out nine and allowed just two earned runs. In addition, Pendley was named first-team All-SAC. Senior Kristin Minton also received first-team All-SAC honors. Senior Kristin Kauk, senior Alissa Cordes and sophomore Kindra Gregory were named to the second team. (top)

Drovers Close 2004 Chapter with 49 Wins - May 26, 2004
DECATUR, Ala. Never mind the USAO Drovers had beaten the OCU Stars five times this season. This was the only game that mattered. After eight tight, scoreless innings, Oklahoma City got the only point it needed to end the Drovers¹ season with a 1-0 win in the NAIA national softball tournament. The one-run decision puts the University of Science and Arts¹ season record at 49-11-1, a significant gain of 15 wins over last season¹s record of 34-24. Fans are invited to a welcome home rally at 9 p.m. Wednesday in the USAO Student Union Terrace Room as the bus arrives from Decatur. USAO finished the game with four hits and had two opportunities to win the nine-inning game. It was USAO's only other extra-inning game this season. Last Saturday night, the Drovers won a 1-0, 13-inning marathon over the College of St. Scholastica (Minn.) In the fifth inning, USAO had the bases loaded with one out, but wasn't able to score. Freshman Morgan Skelley walked and senior Alissa Cordes bunted for a base hit. Junior Crystal Judkins reached base on an error by the OCU right fielder to load the bases. Sophomore Stephanie Hey struck out and Judkins was forced out at second to end the inning. USAO also had a chance to score in the bottom of the eighth, with runners at first and second. Sophomore Kindra Gregory singled through the right side, and advanced on a single by Kauk. Hey, who ran for Gregory, was called out on a close play as she rounded second. With Kauk at second base, Askins was intentionally walked, but senior Jamie Pendley struck out to end the inning. Kauk (1-for-4), Pendley (1-for-4), Cordes (1-for-4), and Gregory (1-for-1) each had hits for USAO. Askins (15-6) took the loss, allowing one run on two hits in 4 1/3 innings. The left-hander struck out two and didn't surrender a walk. Pendley, the starting pitcher, allowed four hits and struck out three in 4 2/3 innings. Today's start was the first in the tournament for Pendley, but the right-hander earned a win against Webber International (Fla.). This match was the seventh time this season that USAO and OCU have met. USAO won five of the teams' six previous meetings, including three in the regular season and two in the NAIA Region VI tournament. (top)

USAO Suffers 9-3 Loss to No. 2 Simon Fraser - May 24, 2004
DECATUR, Ala. - Up against a good hitting team, the USAO softball team suffered its first loss in the 2004 NAIA softball tournament. The third-seeded Drovers dropped a 9-3 decision Monday night to No. 2 Simon Fraser (B.C.) in a winners bracket semifinals. "Tonight, we faced a great offensive team," said coach Julie Vergenz. "They were the better tea. But, I was proud of the way we bounced back." With Monday's loss, the Drovers (49-10-1) move on to face conference-rival Oklahoma City University at 1 p.m. Tuesday. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on USAO's Channel 18. If the Drovers win, they will face the No. 6 Columbia (Mo.)-No. 4 University of Mobile (Ala.) winner at 5 p.m. Tuesday. A loss would end the Drovers' season. USAO will need to win five games in two days to capture its first-ever national championship. "We'll take it one game at a time," Vergenz said. "Anything is possible we are a very determined team." In Tuesday's losers bracket semifinals, the Drovers will face the OCU Stars for the seventh time this season. USAO has won five of the teams' six previous meetings, including three in the regular season and two in the NAIA Region VI tournament. "It is tough to beat a team six times in one season," Vergenz said. "But, the team has the confidence to beat them. It's going to be a great game." In Monday's game, Simon Fraser got on the board quickly, scoring four runs in the first two innings. USAO was able to score two in the fourth and one in the fifth, but Simon Fraser added another run in the fourth, two in the sixth, and two in the seventh for the final margin. In USAO's two-run fourth, sophomore Dana Askins singled through the left side. In the next at-bat, senior Jamie Pendley reached base on an error, which scored Askins from first and allowed Pendley to move to second. Pendley scored on a sharply-hit single to left field. Senior Kristin Kauk got the Drovers' fifth inning rally started with a single to right field. A sacrifice bunt by sophomore Courtney Foley moved Kauk to second. Askins' double to the left field wall scored Kauk. Askins went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI to lead USAO. Kauk (1-for-4), Minton (1-for-3) got the rest of the Drovers four hits in the game. Askins (15-5) took the loss, allowing four runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings. The left-hander struck out two and walked one in her third start of the tournament. Pendley allowed three runs on six hits, struck out one and walked two in 4 1/3 innings. Sophomore Kindra Gregory allowed two runs on two hits, struck out one and walked on in an inning of relief. (top)

USAO Grabs Win Number 2 in Marathon Game - May 23, 2004
DECATUR, Ala. - In one of the longest games in NAIA tournament history, the USAO softball team defeated the College of St. Scholastica (Minn.) 1-0 in 13 innings to move on to the winners bracket semifinals. "This team has a lot of heart," said Drovers Coach Julie Vergenz. "Our pitcher, Dana Askins, told her teammates that if they got her one run, she would finish the game. They refuse to lose." USAO (49-9-1) now moves on to face No. 2 seed and defending national champion Simon Fraser (B.C.) at 4 p.m. Monday at Wilson Morgan Park here. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on USAO's Channel 18. If the Drovers win, they will move on to the winners bracket finals on Tuesday. "We're going to have to bring our 'A' game to compete with Simon Fraser," the coach said. "The girls just have to believe and relax. We're going to have settle down a little bit. I believe we're pressing at the plate, causing us to swing at bad pitches. "I'm waiting for the team that beat OCU and Houston Baptist to show up," Vergenz continued. "If they do, look out." In Saturday's win, sophomore Dana Askins was one strikeout shy of setting an NAIA tournament record, fanning 18 Scholastica batters in the 13-inning complete game. Scholastica's Laura Heise also collected 18 strikeouts and went the distance for the Saints. Askins moved to 15-4 on the season, taking a perfect game into the bottom of the seventh. The left-hander allowed four hits and just one walk in her 21st start of the season and second at the national tournament. "It was a very gutsy performance by Dana," Vergenz said. "She was determined to get the win. She had a rough game against Webber, and I'm very proud of how she bounced back." USAO scored the only run of the game in the top of the 13th inning, when senior Alissa Cordes crossed the plate on a hit by senior Kristin Kauk. Cordes started off the inning with an infield single, advanced to second on an out and moved to third on a single by junior Crystal Judkins. With a runner on third and one out, Vergenz decided to take a risk by sending Cordes home on a ground ball to the infield. It paid off as Kauk provided that hit. "Late in the game you have to take that chance," Vergenz said. "We really were not getting a lot of base runners, so it was the right decision. The shortstop was playing back; I told Alissa that if she got a good jump she would make it, and she did." Judkins (2-for-5) and Kauk (2-for-6) led USAO with two hits each, including a double by Kauk, the only extra-base hit by USAO. Askins and Cordes collected USAO's other two hits in the game. Scholastica's only real chance came in the bottom of the eighth, with runners on second and third with one out. On a short ground ball, senior Jamie Pendley picked up the ball at first and threw to catcher Morgan Skelley who tagged out CSS's Missy Erickson at home. The Drovers also had a chance to score in the top of the 11th when Kauk doubled to right field and advanced to third on the throw. But, sophomore Courtney Foley popped out to third and Askins flied to center field to end the rally. (top)

Minton's double gives USAO 3-1 win at Nationals - May 22, 2004
DECATUR, Ala. - USAO's march through history took another step forward, as the Drovers came from behind to beat Webber International (Fla.) 3-1 in their first game of the 2004 NAIA softball tournament. Senior Kristin Minton belted a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth to put the Drovers up 2-1 over the Warriors and provide a much-needed boost of momentum. USAO had fallen behind 1-0 in the fourth, when Webber International drew two walks and scored on a single. The Drovers added another run in the sixth for the final margin. With the win, USAO moves to 48-9-1 overall, and is scheduled to face St. Scholastica (Minn.) at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Wilson Morgan Park. If the Drovers win, their next action will be at 4 p.m. Monday. A loss moves USAO to a 1 p.m. start on Monday. Sophomore Courtney Foley led off the three-run sixth with a walk, and sophomore Dana Askins followed with an infield single. Minton, then, doubled to score Foley and Askins. Senior Jamie Pendley and freshman Morgan Skelley each followed with singles, with Skelley driving in junior Keely McKinnon, who pinch ran for Minton. Pendley went 2-for-3 to lead USAO, with senior Kristin Kauk, Askins, Minton, Skelley and junior Crystal Judkins each getting hits. Pendley (19-2) picked up the win, hurling four shutout innings and allowing just three hits. The right-hander struck out five and walked two. Askins allowed a run and struck out four in three innings. (top)

Drovers ready for action in Decatur - May 22, 2004
DECATUR, Ala. The competition begins tonight, but the USAO Drovers' quest for a first national championship began Thursday as the team participated in the opening ceremonies at the 2004 NAIA softball tournament. USAO (47-9-1) is seeded third, and is scheduled to play its first game at 7 p.m. Friday at Wilson Morgan Park here. The game is scheduled be broadcast live (audio only) on USAO's Channel 18. Tournament brackets, video interviews with Drover standouts, and more information about the tournament is available at www.usao.edu/softball. If it were up to many of the Drovers, they would not wait until late Friday for their first game. Players say they are excited about being in the national tournament and focused on bringing a championship home to Chickasha. "It's been very exciting to be here," said sophomore Courtney Foley. "It'll get a lot better once we start playing." Senior Alissa Cordes added, "This is a dream come true for me. I haven't experienced this kind of atmosphere in quite a long time." After falling once to Houston Baptist in the regional tournament last weekend, the Drovers showed heart to regroup and win three straight, including two against HBU. Part of that comeback, said senior Jamie Pendley, is that the Drovers don't want the season to end. "I don't think anyone has seen a team like this," Pendley said. "There's not a moment when we're not proud of each other. No one wants this to end. When we get pumped, nobody can stop us." The trio also credited coach Julie Vergenz with their success on the field, as well as in the classroom and their own personal lives. "I really can't explain it," said Cordes, a native of Euless, Texas. "I've never been coached by a better group of people. Coach Vergenz teaches you to be a great athlete on the field, but also helps you be a complete person." Pendley, a native of Rush Springs, said, "If not for the kind of person she is, we wouldn't be here right now. She has made us work very hard and learn how to do things together." When they finally take the field on Friday, the Drovers only have one goal in mind. "During the opening ceremonies, they brought out a huge (national championship) banner," said Foley of Piedmont. "I thought how great that would be to bring that back to Chickasha." Cordes was a bit more philosophical in her approach. "We are pieces of history," she said. "Years from now, when people look at the record books, they are going to see how good we were and what we accomplished. I'd like to see that banner hanging in our gym." (top)

USAO Earns No. 3 Seed in 1st Trip to National Tournament - May 17, 2004
With an impressive run to the regional championship, the USAO softball team has positioned itself as a legitimate favorite to win its first-ever national championship. The fifth-ranked Drovers earned a No. 3 seed in the national tournament, scheduled for May 21-26 in Decatur, Ala. This is USAO¹s first-ever berth in the 20-team tournament. Thomas, Ga., is seeded first, while Simon Fraser, B.C., earned a No. 2 seed. Houston Baptist, which USAO beat to win the regional title, is seeded fifth, and Oklahoma City is the No. 9 seed. USAO also earns a bye in the first round, and is scheduled to face the Union, Tenn.-Webber International, Fla., winner at 7 p.m. on Friday. If the Drovers win, they will face the St. Scholastica, Minn.-Columbia, Mo., winner at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Losers bracket games for USAO would begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, if the Drovers lose their first game, or 1 p.m. on May 24 should they lose their second game. The championship series is set for noon on May 26, with the ³if necessary² game to follow around 2 p.m. Other top seeds include the University of Mobile, Ala., at No. 4, Columbia, Mo., at No. 6, as well as No. 7 Point Loma, Calif., No. 8 California Baptist, and No. 10 North Ga. Twelve of the 20 teams were seeded, while the remaining eight face to determine the right to play the top four seeds. All games will be played at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex. A complete tournament bracket is available at the NAIA Web site, www.naia.org. (top)

USAO Wins Softball Regional Championship - May 17, 2004
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas - Armed with a simple piece of advice "Keep your head still" and with one swing of the bat, USAO senior Kristin Kauk belted a rare inside-the-park home run to spark the Drovers to two straight wins over No. 3 Houston Baptist and take their first-ever regional softball championship late Friday night. With four wins in the regional, USAO improves to a program-best 47-9-1 record and automatically qualifies for the NAIA national tournament, scheduled for May 21-26 at Wilson Morgan Softball Complex in Decatur, Ala. It is also USAO¹s first national tournament berth in the program¹s nearly eight-year history. ³How fitting was it for Kristin (Kauk) to start us off with a home run,² said coach Julie Vergenz. ³Kristin has been here with me from the beginning, and I¹m truly happy for her and our team. Last December, the girls made it their goal to make the national tournament. We yelled ODecatur¹ in our huddles, and we made it with hard work and determination. This is huge for our program.² The march to the Region VI title at Oran Good Park wasn¹t an easy one. USAO won its first game 4-0 against conference-rival and seventh-ranked Oklahoma City, but suffered a disheartening 4-0 loss to No. 3 Houston Baptist. That game was continued into Friday afternoon, after heavy rain showers moved into the area on Thursday night. ³After our loss to Houston Baptist, we could have folded,² Vergenz said. ³We hadn¹t been beaten like that in a while. But, I was proud of the way our team came back and won three huge games over highly-ranked teams. Houston Baptist threw the same girl (in the second game) as they did when they beat us.² With the two wins over Oklahoma City, the Drovers improve to 5-1 against the Stars this season, including 3-of-4 in their conference series. In addition, USAO faced the same two opponents in each of its five games at Oran Good Park. Other teams in the regional were St. Gregory¹s, Northwestern OSU and Bacone College. USAO 4, Houston Baptist 0 USAO got the benefit of two Houston Baptist errors to score three runs in the bottom of the first for an early 3-0 lead. That would be all senior Jamie Pendley would need to shut down the Huskies offense. The right-hander allowed just three hits and struck out ten to improve to 18-2 on the season. In the three-run first inning, Kauk started things off with a single, followed by sophomore Courtney Foley¹s single. Sophomore Dana Askins¹ sacrifice bunt sent Kauk to third and Foley to second. The pair scored when Pendley reached base on an error. Freshman Morgan Skelley, then, reached on another error. Senior Alissa Cordes belted a single in the next at-bat to score Pendley. The Drovers¹ added another run in the fourth on a single by Foley to score freshman J.J. Parrish. Foley went 3-for-3, including a run scored and an RBI, to lead USAO. Kauk (2-for-4) finished with two hits and a run scored. USAO 9, Houston Baptist 1 Kauk and Askins each hit a home run in the first inning as the Drovers cruised to a 9-1 six inning win. The game was stopped in the sixth on the mercy rule. In between the home runs, Foley singled to give USAO three runs in three at-bats. Kauk¹s was her first career inside-the-park home run, while Askins belted a fast ball over the left centerfield fence. Before the inning was over, Pendly, Cordes and Skelley each crossed the plate. Cordes scored Pendley on a single, while junior Crystal Judkins¹ single scored Cordes and Skelley. All nine Drovers batted in the inning. Pendley also had a double in the inning. Judkins went 3-for-3, with three RBI and a run scored, to lead USAO. Kauk (2-for-3) and Foley (2-for-2) finished with two hits and a run scored each. Cordes led the Drovers with two rruns scored and added an RBI. Askins allowed a run on four hits and struck out three in three innings to pick up the win and improve to 14-4 on the season. Pendley allowed a hit and struck out one in two innings of relief. USAO 3, Oklahoma City 1 USAO scored a run in the bottom of the second and two in the bottom of the third to claim the 3-1 victory. In the second, Skelley opened the inning with a single and scored two batters later on a single by Judkins. Askins led off the Drovers in the third with a single and stole second. Pendley drove in Askins on a single, and crossed the plate on an OCU error. The Stars added a run in the sixth to close with in two runs, and threatened another with a runner on third. But, Askins got out of the jam and retired three of four batters in the seventh. Kauk (2-for-3) was the only Drover with two hits. Askins, Pendley, Skelley and Judkins each had a hit, while Askins finished with a game-high three stolen bases. Pendley (17-2) allowed an unearned run on four hits and struck out one in five innings to pick up the win. Askins collected her sixth save of the season, allowing two hits and striking out one in two innings of relief. Houston Baptist 4, USAO 0 Houston Baptist scored two runs in the bottom of the first and two more in the second for the 4-0 win. USAO managed just two hits and struck out 12 times in its first loss in more than a month. Askins and Skelley collected hits for the Drovers. The game was suspended in the top of the fourth after heavy showers moved into the area on Thursday night. It was completed Friday afternoon. Askins (13-4) allowed four runs on two hits in 1 2/3 innings. The left-hander struck out one and walked two. Sophomore Kindra Gregory allowed two hits and walked one in 1 1/3 inning of relief. Pendley struck out seven and allowed a hit in three innings. USAO 4, Oklahoma City 0 Four straight doubles in the bottom of the third inning for the Drovers led to four runs and a 4-0 win to open the tournament. Kauk singled to lead things off and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Foley. Askins, senior Kristin Minton, Pendly and Skelley each doubled to score Kauk, Askins, junior Keeley McKinnon and Pendley. Askins went 3-for-3 with an RBI and run scored to lead USAO. Askins (13-3) also picked up the win on the mound, allowing four hits in the complete game. The left-hander struck out five and didn¹t allow a walk. (top)

USAO Claims First Round Regional Win - May 13, 2004
A four-run rally in the bottom of the third was all the USAO Drovers needed for a 4-0 win over No. 7 Oklahoma City in their first game of the NAIA Region VI tournament at Oran Good Park. The Drovers’ second game against No. 3 Houston Baptist was postponed because of heavy rains in the area on Thursday night. USAO was behind 4-0 after three complete innings when the showers forced action to be delayed until at least noon on Friday. USAO’s 4-0 win over OCU improved the Drovers’ record to 44-8-1 overall. In their third inning rally, the Drovers got five of its seven hits of the game, including four straight doubles, and scored four runs. Senior Kristin Kauk got things started in the third with a single and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Courtney Foley. Sophomore Dana Askins doubled to score Kauk, while Askins scored on a double by senior Kristin Minton in the next at-bat. Senior Jamie Pendley kept the rally going with a double to score junior Keeley McKinnon who ran for Minton. Freshman Morgan Skelley ended the inning with an RBI double to score Pendley. Askins went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a run scored and a run batted in to lead USAO. Kauk (1-for-2), Minton (1-for-2), Pendley (1-for-3), and Skelley (1-for-3) collected hits for the Drovers. Askins (14-3) picked up the win, allowing four hits and no runs in the complete-game shutout. The left-hander, who was voted the Sooner Athletic Conference Player of the Year last week, struck out five and didn’t surrender a walk. (top)

USAO Seeded No. 2 in Regional Softball Tourney- May 11, 2004
After claiming its first-ever conference title, the USAO softball team looks to claim the regional title this weekend. The Drovers are the No. 2 seed in the NAIA Region VI tournament scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Farmers Branch, Texas. Currently, USAO boasts a 43-8-1 overall record and is ranked No. 5 in the latest NAIA softball poll. Third-ranked Houston Baptist (39-4) is the top seed at the regional, while No. 7 Oklahoma City (54-10) is seeded third. USAO is scheduled to face the OCU-St. Gregory¹s winner at noon Thursday. Houston Baptist is slated to face the Bacone-Northwestern winner, also Thursday around noon. The losers during Thursday¹s morning session are scheduled to meet at 4 p.m., followed by a winners¹ bracket game at 6 p.m. The losers¹ bracket semifinals are set for 8 p.m., with the finals at noon on Friday. The championship game is slated for 2 p.m. Friday. (top) Information on Region VI Tournament
USAO Trio Sweeps SAC Softball Awards- May 11, 2004
For the second straight season, the USAO softball team has placed multiple players on the All-Sooner Athletic Conference list. The Drovers also sowed up all three individual awards, which are selected by SAC coaches. Sophomore Dana Askins was named the SAC Player of the Year, and senior Jamie Pendley was tabbed Pitcher of the Year. Julie Vergenz was named the SAC¹s Coach of the Year. This was Vergenz¹s second straight Coach of the Year award from the SAC, and she was named the Region VI Coach of the Year last season. USAO finished the regular season with a program-best 43-8-1 record, and captured its first-ever SAC championship with a 20-4 mark. With their SAC championship, the Drovers earned an automatic bye into the Region VI tournament this weekend in Farmers Branch, Texas. Along with Askins and Pendley, USAO senior Kristin Minton was named to the first team. Askins and Minton spent much of the season at the top of every offensive category. Senior Kristin Kauk, senior Alissa Cordes and sophomore Kindra Gregory earned spots on the All-SAC second team. Askins, who started at first base and pitcher, finished the regular season with a .459 (72-for-157) batting average, a .726 slugging percentage, and a .503 on-base percentage to lead the SAC in all three categories. The left-hander from Moore also was second in the SAC with a 0.76 earned run average, sixth in winning percentage (12-3, .800) and second on the team with 118 strikeouts. Pendley finished third in the SAC with a 0.98 ERA, and led the Drovers with 121 strikeouts. The right-hander from Rush Springs also was third in the conference with a .889 winning percentage (16-2). She finished with a .328 batting average, and was second on the team with 13 doubles. Minton, a starting catcher and designated player, finished second in the SAC with a .413 (45-for-109) batting average, a .679 slugging percentage and was fourth with a .450 on-base percentage. About midway through the season, Minton suffered a serious knee injury that sidelined her for 13 games and forced a move from catcher to DP. Kauk, a center fielder from Leedey, earns her second straight All-Conference honor. She finished the 2004 season with a .304 batting average and was second on the team with 42 runs scored. She also started a school-record 183 consecutive games over her career. Gregory, a pitcher from Lexington, finished four in the SAC with a 1.23 ERA, while recording 75 strikeouts in 102.2 innings. The right-hander was tied for fourth with a .833 winning percentage (15-3) in 23 appearances and 15 starts. Cordes, a right fielder from Euless, Texas, finished third on the team with a .330 batting average, while playing in all 52 games and starting 47. Cordes transferred to USAO from Howard Payne, Texas, for her final season. (top)

Softball Team Earns Bye Into Regional Tourney- May 5, 2004
With its first-ever Sooner Athletic Conference championship, the USAO softball team will not compete in the SAC postseason tournament this weekend at Hall of Fame Stadium. Instead, the Drovers earn a bye directly into the NAIA Region VI tournament. ³I can¹t tell you how proud I am of our team,² said coach Julie Vergenz. ³We came close to winning the conference last season, but the girls came out this year determined to win the conference and get to nationals.² This is the second straight season USAO has been in the hunt for the SAC title. In 2003, the Drovers finished second in both the regular season standings and the postseason tournament, while qualifying for the regional tournament. This weekend¹s SAC tournament, at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, features No. 2-seed Oklahoma City against No. 6 Oklahoma Christian at 2 p.m. Friday, followed by No. 3 St. Gregory¹s and No. 4 Northwestern at 4 p.m. The OCU-OC loser meets the SGU-NWOSU loser at 6 p.m., while the winners meet at 8 p.m. The NAIA Region VI tournament is scheduled for May 13-15 in Farmers Branch, Texas. Six teams, four from the SAC and two from the Red River Athletic Conference, are scheduled to compete in the tournament. Along with USAO, likely representing the SAC will be OCU, St. Gregory¹s and Northwestern, while Houston Baptist and Bacone College will likely represent the RRAC. This season, USAO won the regular season SAC championship, and is currently ranked No. 5 in the most recent NAIA softball poll. Because of their rating, the Drovers are virtually assured their first-ever berth in the national tournament. But, they are not taking anything for granted, Vergenz said. ³We have done very well so far this season, but there is a lot more we want to accomplish,² the coach said. ³We are determined to reach the national tournament, but we have to take care of business at regionals. If we do that, I feel confident we¹ll make the national tournament and make a run at a championship.² The NAIA national tournament is scheduled for May 21-26 at Wilson Morgan Softball Complex in Decatur, Ala. Making up the 20-team field are 14 regional champions, the host team, and five at-large berths, which compete in a double-elimination format. (top)

Askins Tabbed Softball Pitcher, Player of Week- April 27, 2004
For the fourth time this season, a USAO softball player has been named the Sooner Athletic Conference Player or Pitcher of the Week. But this time, Dana Askins earned both Pitcher and Player of the Week honors for April 19-25, SAC officials announced. It is the second time this season that Askins has received the award. Previously, the sophomore was named the conference Player of the Week in early February. Askins, who starts at pitcher and first base, was 2-0 with a 0.41 earned run average and two one-hitters on the week. She had 24 strikeouts and one walk in 17 innings of work. She also batted .579 (11-for-19) with four RBI and 10 runs scored to lead the Drovers to a 6-0 week. The Drovers finished the regular season last week with a 43-8-1 overall record and their first-ever SAC championship. USAO receives an automatic berth in the Region VI tournament, and is likely to qualify for the NAIA national tournament for the first time. Askins leads the SAC in three offensive categories, including batting average (.459), slugging percentage (.762), and on-base percentage (.503). She is tied for first in triples (5), tied for third in home runs (5), third in runs scored (51), third in stolen bases (17-for-18) and sixth in runs batted in (39) and doubles (14). USAO senior Kristin Minton ranks second in batting average (.413), second in slugging percentage (.679), and fourth in on-base percentage (.450). Freshman Morgan Skelley is tied for first with five triples, and junior Crystal Judkins is alone in fourth with four triples. Senior Kristin Kauk is fifth in the SAC with 42 runs scored. As a left-handed pitcher, Askins is second in earned run average (0.76), fifth in strikeouts per seven innings (6.88), and fifth in win/loss percentage (12-3, .800). Senior pitcher Jamie Pendley is ranks third with a 0.98 ERA, while sophomore Kindra Gregory is fourth at a 1.23 ERA. Pendley strikes out just under seven batters per seven innings to rank fourth, and is tied for first in winning percentage (16-2, .889). Gregory boasts a .833 winning percentage (15-3) for fourth on the list. (top)

Softball Team gets two wins at Challenge Games- April 26, 2004
OKLAHOMA CITY Hoping to end the season with five wins and a tournament title, the USAO softball team had to settle for two wins in the Challenge Games tournament at Hall of Fame Stadium. The Drovers won their fourth straight over Oklahoma Baptist 5-0 in the first game Friday morning and followed with an 8-0 win over Northwood, Texas, later that afternoon. Rain showers late Friday night forced the cancellation of Saturday¹s games. With the wins in the tournament, USAO improves to 43-8-1 overall, its best record in the program¹s eight-year history. The Drovers earned their first-ever Sooner Athletic Conference championship, and received an automatic berth in the Region VI tournament, scheduled May 13-15 in Farmers Branch, Texas. In Friday¹s first game, USAO scored two runs in the top of the third and added three in the seventh for the 5-0 win. In the third inning, sophomores Courtney Foley and Dana Askins scored for the Drovers. Foley opened the inning with a walk and Askins followed with her 14th double of the season. Junior Keeley McKinnon scored in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by freshman Morgan Skelley. Senior Jamie Pendley¹s base hit scored Askins and junior Alana Hare for the final margin. Askins, Skelley, Pendley, sophomore Stephanie Hey and senior Alissa Cordes recorded hits for USAO. Once again, Askins (12-3) dominated the Lady Bison, allowing just one hit in her 14th complete game and eighth shutout of the season. The left-hander struck out nine and walked one. USAO scored three runs in the first and five more in the seventh to blow past Northwood 8-0 in five innings. Hey provided the game¹s highlight with a three-run home run in the fifth, scoring Pendley and Skelley. It was Hey¹s third home run of the season. Foley went 2-for-3 and scored twice to lead USAO. Askins, Pendley, Hey, Cordes and junior Crystal Judkins got hits for the Drovers. Cordes also added two RBIs, while Foley, Skelley and Pendley collected stolen bases. Pendley (16-2) allowed just three hits and struck out seven in her 13th complete game and eighth shutout of the season. The right-hander didn¹t record a walk in five innings. (top)

Softball Team clinches 1st SAC Title- April 21, 2004
SHAWNEE With a doubleheader sweep of Oklahoma Baptist Tuesday, the USAO softball clinches its first-ever Sooner Athletic Conference championship. The Drovers won the first game 4-0 and followed with a 7-1 win in the nightcap. With the wins, USAO improves to 41-8-1 overall and 20-4 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. By winning the SAC regular season title, the Drovers earn a bye through the SAC tournament and move directly to the regional tournament in Farmers Branch, Texas. Fifth-ranked USAO also is virtually assured of qualifying for the NAIA tournament in Decatur, Ala. This weekend, the Drovers wrap up their regular season in the Challenge Games tournament at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. The tournament is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, and will be hosted by Oklahoma City University. In Tuesday¹s first game, sophomore Dana Askins (11-3) carried a no-hitter through 5 2/3 innings, and allowed just two base runners in the complete-game shutout. The left-hander recorded a school-record 12 strikeouts, including seven in a row, while not allowing a walk. On offense, USAO scored two runs in the top of the third and two more in the fifth for the 4-0 victory. Sophomore Courtney Foley and senior Kristin Kauk scored in the third on a two-base error by OBU. In the fifth, Askins drove in the first run of the inning with a triple to score Foley from first. Foley scored one batter later on a single by senior Kristin Minton. Kauk, Foley, Askins, Minton, freshman Morgan Skelley and senior Alissa Cordes got hits for USAO. USAO generated a little more offense in the nightcap, scoring seven runs on eight hits. The Drovers scored three in the second, one in the third, one in the fourth and two in the seventh for the 7-1 win. Minton started things off with a single, and scored on a bases-loaded walk by sophomore Stephanie Hey. Skelley and Pendley also crossed the plate. Skelley (2-for-4) led USAO with two hits, including a double and two RBIs. Askins allowed one run on three hits and struck out two in three innings. Sophomore Kindra Gregory (15-3) didn¹t allow a hit in four innings for the win. The right-hander struck out one and walked one. (top)

Softball Team Blows Past SNU- April 20, 2004
BETHANY Needing to sweep Southern Nazarene to stay at the top of the conference standings, the USAO softball team accomplished the goal as the Drovers blew past the Crimson Storm. The Drovers won Monday's first game 9-1 and followed with a 10-4 victory in the nightcap. USAO (39-8-1, 18-4 SAC) could clinch its first Sooner Athletic Conference championship with a win over Oklahoma Baptist today in Shawnee. Currently, the Drovers are ranked No. 5 in the NAIA, and hold a one-game lead over Oklahoma City in the SAC standings. USAO ends the regular season this weekend with an appearance in the Challenge Games tournament on April 23-24. The tournament is set to be held at Hall of Fame Stadium and is hosted by OCU. USAO's game times and opponents are still to be determined. In the first game Monday, USAO scored all nine of its runs in the final four innings and cruised to a 9-1 mercy-rule victory. The Drovers scored three in the top of the third inning, two in the fourth, three in the fifth and one in the sixth. Sophomore Dana Askins (3-for-4) led USAO with three hits and two runs scored. Sophomore Courtney Foley (2-for-3), senior Kristin Minton (2-for-3) and sophomore Stephanie Hey (2-for-3) collected two hits each. Askins, freshman Morgan Skelley and senior Alissa Cordes each had doubles. Senior Jamie Pendley (14-2) struck out seven, while allowing one run on two hits for the win. The right-hander didn't surrender a walk in four innings. Sophomore Kindra Gregory allowed two hits, struck out one and walked on in two innings of relief. The USAO offense didn't slow down in the nightcap, as the Drovers put up 10 runs and 14 hits for a 10-4 to sweep the season series. The Drovers got four extra-base hits and scored three runs in the first, four in the third, two in the fourth and one in the seventh. Skelley (3-for-4) nearly hit for the cycle, as the freshman catcher collected a home run, a triple and single. She also finished with a team-high four RBIs and scored twice. Askins (3-for-4) belted two doubles, stole two bases and scored twice. Minton, Pendley and junior Crystal Judkins each had two hits for USAO. Gregory (14-3) allowed three runs, one earned, on eight hits and struck out three in five innings for the win. Pendley, the starter, allowed a run on one hit and struck out three in two innings. Neither Gregory nor Pendley allowed a walk in the game. (top)

Softball Team Gets Split With No. 8 OCU- April 14, 2004
OKLAHOMA CITY The fifth-ranked USAO softball team entered Tuesday¹s doubleheader with eighth-ranked Oklahoma City with the lead in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings. The Drovers left ASA Hall of Fame Stadium on the fast track to the SAC title, with a 3-0 win and a 4-1 loss against the Stars. With the split, USAO moves to 37-8-1 overall and 16-4 in the SAC. The Drovers have the rest of the week off, before facing Southern Nazarene on April 19 in Bethany and Oklahoma Baptist on April 20 in Shawnee, for their final doubleheaders of the season. Both doubleheaders are set for 2 p.m. starts. In the first game Tuesday, OCU scored two runs in the bottom of the third and two more in the fifth for the 4-1 win. USAO sophomore Courtney Foley scored the Drovers only run of the game on a sacrifice fly by senior Kristin Minton, who returned to action after missing 13 games with a knee injury. Foley, Minton, senior Kristin Kauk, freshman Morgan Skelley, sophomore Stephanie Hey and senior Alissa Cordes collected a hit each for USAO. Foley also got her ninth stolen base of the season. Sophomore Dana Askins (9-2) took the loss on the mound, allowing two runs on three hits. The left-hander struck out six and gave up a walk in four innings. Sophomore Kindra Gregory allowed two runs on two hits and walked one in one inning of relief, while senior Jamie Pendley struck out one and walked one in an inning. USAO turned things around in the nightcap, as the Drovers scored a run in the first and two in the fourth for a 3-0 win. Askins (10-2) turned in her sixth complete-game shutout, allowing six hits, striking out five and walking one in earning her 10th win of the season. Foley got things started in the first, scoring from second on a fielding error by the Stars, after hitting a single to right center. In the fourth inning, Cordes doubled to the left field gap to score newcomer J.J. Parrish from second. Hey doubled down the left field line in the next at-bat to score Cordes for the second run of the inning. Foley, Askins, freshman Morgan Skelley, Cordes and Hey each got a hit for the Drovers. Hey collected her eighth double of the season, while Cordes added her fourth double. Kauk, Pendley and Askins also drew walks in the game. (top)

Softball Team Splits Doubleheader With Northwestern- April 9, 2004
ALVA For the second time in a week, the USAO softball team split a conference doubleheader. On Thursday, the fifth-ranked Drovers lost the first game 5-2 to the 24th-ranked Northwestern Rangers, and followed with a 4-3 win in the nightcap. Earlier this week, USAO split a doubleheader with St. Gregory¹s. With the split, the Drovers improve to 36-7-1 overall and 15-3 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. USAO continues its long road trip on April 13 with a doubleheader against No. 10 Oklahoma City, beginning at 5 p.m. at Hall of Fame Stadium. The Drovers will have almost a week off before traveling to Southern Nazarene on April 19. In the first game Thursday at Alva Recreational Complex, Northwestern scored two runs in the bottom of the season and added three more in the fourth to take a commanding 5-0 lead. USAO committed two errors in the fourth inning, leading to all three Ranger runs. But, the Drovers answered with two runs in the top of the sixth for the final margin. Sophomore Courtney Foley scored the Drovers¹ first run of the game on a single by senior Jamie Pendley. Freshman Morgan Skelley singled in the next at-bat to score sophomore Dana Askins from second. Foley (2-for-3) led USAO with two hits, while Skelley and Pendley picked up the others. Askins (9-2) took her second loss of the season on the mound, allowing five runs, one earned, on six hits in the complete game. The left-hander didn¹t record a strikeout or walk for the first time this season. In the nightcap, USAO scored a run in the first, one in the fourth and two in the fifth for the 4-3 win. Northwestern scored in the second and added two more runs in the fifth. Askins singled up the middle to score senior Kristin Kauk for the Drovers¹ first run. Skelley scored in the fourth on an error by the Northwestern first baseman, after reaching base on a walk. Pendley and Askins scored in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Skelley and an error by the Rangers¹ catcher. Kauk, Foley, Askins and Pendley had the Drovers¹ four hits in the game. Askins also got her team-high 15th stolen base. Pendley (14-2) also picked up the win on the mound, as USAO used three pitchers. The right-hander allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one in three innings. Askins picked up the save, striking out two and not giving up a walk or a hit in 2.2 innings. Sophomore Kindra Gregory, the starter, allowed one run on one hit and walked one in 1.1 innings. (top)

Softball Team Splits Twin Bill With St. Gregory¹s- April 7, 2004
SHAWNEE After sweeping St. Gregory¹s less than a week ago, the USAO softball team gave one back as the Drovers split a doubleheader with the Lady Cavaliers Tuesday. USAO won the first game 4-0, to extend its winning streak to 13 games, but lost the nightcap 2-1. With the split, USAO moves to 35-6-1 overall and 14-2 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. On Thursday, the fifth-ranked Drovers travel to Alva to take on No. 24 Northwestern in a 2 p.m. doubleheader to wrap up the week. In the first game Tuesday, USAO scored two runs in the top of the second and added two insurance runs in the seventh for the 4-0 win. Senior Jamie Pendley got things started in the second with her second home run of the season. Three batters later, junior Crystal Judkins singled to score freshman Morgan Skelley. Judkins opened the seventh inning with a single, and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Kindra Gregory. Following a walk by junior Alana Hare, sophomore Dana Akins belted her fourth triple of the season to score Judkins and Hare. Judkins (2-for-2) and Askins (2-for-4) led USAO with two hits each, as the Drovers collected nine hits in the game. Others collecting hits included Pendley, Skelley, sophomore Stephanie Hey, senior Alissa Cordes and sophomore Courtney Foley. Askins (9-1) picked up the win on the mound, allowing just four hits in her 10th complete game of the season. The left-hander struck out one and walked one, while recording her fifth shutout of the season. In the nightcap, USAO struck first with a run in the top of the second inning. But, St. Gregory¹s answered with a run in the bottom of the sixth and the game-winner in the seventh. The Lady Cavaliers got three straight hits, and the Drovers didn¹t record an out in the seventh, as they lost for the first time since March 11. Judkins hit her fifth double of the season in the second to score newcomer J.J. Parrish from second base. Hey, Cordes, Judkins, Foley, and Askins each had hits for the Drovers. Pendley (13-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on four hits. The right-hander struck out three in 2.1 innings of relief. Gregory allowed seven hits, while recording one strikeout and one walk in 4.2 innings. (top)

USAO Moves Up to No. 5 in NAIA Softball Poll- April 7, 2004
After winning 13 of its last 14 games, the USAO softball team made it into the top five in the newest NAIA poll, released late Tuesday on the NAIA¹s Web site. The Drovers moved up one spot to No. 5 in the survey for their third straight week in the top 10. Currently, USAO is 35-6-1 overall and retains a slim one-game lead in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings at 14-2. On Tuesday, the Drovers split an SAC doubleheader with St. Gregory¹s for their first loss in more than a month. USAO is scheduled to travel to Alva for a 2 p.m. doubleheader against Northwestern. Oklahoma City (36-8) is one of two other SAC schools in the poll. The Stars, currently second in the SAC standings, moved up one spot to No. 9 this week. Northwestern (24-7), which handed USAO its only other SAC loss, moves up five spots to No. 24. Bacone College (36-4-1) retains its spot at No. 13, while St. Gregory¹s drops out of the top 25. For the first time this season, Thomas, Ga., (33-2) moves into the top spot in the poll, receiving 342 points but six of 13 first-place votes. Simon Fraser, B.C., (20-2), which had occupied the top spot for five straight weeks, drops to No. 2, after receiving seven of 13 first-place votes. Besides USAO, others in the top five include No. 3 Houston Baptist (27-3), which received one first-place vote, and No. 4 University of Mobile, Ala., (38-6). Both teams participated in the Gulf Coast Invitational, with Houston Baptist winning the championship and Mobile defeating USAO in the second game of the tournament. The complete poll is available at the NAIA Web site, www.naia.org. (top)

Softball Team Sweeps No. 23 St. Gregory's- April 1, 2004
Coming into Thursday's doubleheader, the USAO softball team knew it could have a difficult time with No. 23 St. Gregory's. But, the Drovers scored early in both games and held off a Lady Cavalier charge for two wins, 5-2 and 6-3. On a 12-game winning streak, sixth-ranked USAO improves to 34-5-1 overall and 13-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The Drovers won't have to wait long for a rematch with St. Gregory's, as they are scheduled to travel to Shawnee on April 6. USAO closes the week in Alva on April 8 against Northwestern. In the first game, USAO got on the board quickly, scoring four runs on four hits. Senior Jamie Pendley drove in the first run of the game on a single to score sophomore Courtney Foley. Two batters later, sophomore Dana Askins scored on a sacrifice fly by sophomore Stephanie Hey. Pendley and freshman Morgan Skelley scored on a two-out double by senior Alissa Cordes. The Drovers added an insurance run in the top of the fourth, when Foley scored on a single by Askins. St. Gregory's scored two runs in the top of the fifth to keep it close. Foley went 3-for-3 and scored twice to lead USAO. Kauk (2-for-4) and Askins (2-for-4) had two hits each, while Pendley and Cordes added the Drovers' other hits. Askins (8-1) also got the win on the mound, allowing two runs on seven hits in seven innings. The left-hander struck out five and walked two. USAO also got on the board early in the nightcap, scoring three runs in the first two innings. St. Gregory¹s scored two runs in the top of the fifth to close the gap to 3-2. But, the Drovers answered with three runs in the bottom of the fifth for a 6-2 cushion. The Lady Cavaliers added another run in the top of the sixth. Askins led off the first inning with a triple, and scored on a single by Pendley. Hey and Cordes crossed the plate in the second on a sacrifice by sophomore Kindra Gregory and a single by Kauk. Kauk, Foley and Askins scored in the fifth when the SGU leftfielder dropped a routine fly ball from Hey. Kauk (2-for-3) and Askins (2-for-3) led USAO. Gregory (13-3) earned the victory, allowing two runs on three hits in 4.1 innings. The right-hander struck out three and walked two. Pendley picked up her second save of the season, while striking out three and allowing one run on three hits in 2.2 innings. (top)

Pendley Keys Softball Team to Wins over SNU- March 31, 2004
Behind an outstanding pitching performance by Jamie Pendley, the USAO softball team shutout Southern Nazarene in a doubleheader Wednesday. The sixth-ranked Drovers won the first game 5-0 and the nightcap 7-0. With the two shutouts, USAO improves to 32-5-1 overall and 11-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The Drovers maintain a two-game lead over second-place Oklahoma City, and are scheduled to host No. 23 St. Gregory¹s Thursday in their final home doubleheader of the season. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. at Bill Smith Ballpark. In Wednesday¹s twin bill, Pendley allowed just three hits in 14 innings, including one in the first game and two in the second. The right-hander struck out 10 SNU batters, without giving up a walk. Both wins improve Pendley¹s league-leading record to 12-1. Pendley also contributed at the plate, going 2-for-6 with a double, RBI and a sacrifice fly in the doubleheader. In the first game Wednesday, USAO scored two runs in the bottom of the second, one in the third and two in the sixth for the 5-0 win. Sophomore Stephanie Hey hit her second home run of the season to left field in the second inning. Freshman Morgan Skelley started off the second with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly by senior Alissa Cordes. Senior Kristin Kauk scored the Drovers¹ run in the third on a sacrifice fly by Pendley. Skelley¹s second triple of the game scored sophomore Dana Akins, and Skelley scored one batter later on a ground out by junior Crystal Judkins. Skelley (2-for-3) and Kauk (2-for-3) led USAO with two hits each. In the nightcap, USAO scored three runs in the second, third and fourth innings, followed by a four-run rally in the sixth for the 7-0 win. Askins belted her second career grand slam to left field to score all four runs in the sixth. It was Askins¹ sixth home run of the season to lead the SAC. Skelley scored the Drovers¹ run in the second on a single by Cordes. Kauk scored in the third off a single by Pendley, while Cordes scored in the fourth on a double by sophomore Kindra Gregory. Cordes (2-for-3) and Pendley (2-for-4) led USAO with two hits each. Newcomer J.J. Parrish, who was a basketball cheerleader this fall, got a hit in her first career at-bat in the sixth inning. She scored on Askins¹ home run. (top)

USAO Ranked No. 6 in NAIA Softball Poll- March 31, 2004
Notching six more wins this week, the USAO softball team inched closer to the top five in the latest NAIA softball poll. The Drovers moved up one spot to No. 6 in the poll, released late Tuesday on the NAIA Web site. On a 10-game winning streak, USAO is 30-5-1 overall and leads the Sooner Athletic Conference at 9-1. The Drovers host Southern Nazarene today and St. Gregory¹s on Thursday in their final home doubleheaders of the season. First pitch for both doubleheaders is set for 2 p.m. at Bill Smith Ballpark. Last week, USAO was tied with Columbia, Mo., College at No. 7, but the Drovers received enough votes to occupy the sixth spot alone. USAO is also the highest-ranked SAC school in the poll. Two other SAC schools are ranked in the top 25, including Oklahoma City (29-8) at No. 10 and St. Gregory¹s (13-6) at No. 23. Bacone College (28-4-1), the only other Oklahoma school in the poll, remains at No. 13. Northwestern OSU also received 12 votes in the poll, and would be ranked No. 29 if the poll were extended. For the fourth straight week, Simon Fraser (B.C.) tops the poll, with a 20-2 record and 10 of 13 first place votes. Thomas, Ga., (29-2) is ranked No. 2 and received three first place votes. Rounding out the top five are No. 3 Houston Baptist (23-3), No. 4 University of Mobile, Ala., (33-5), and No. 5 Union, Tenn., (23-4). The complete poll is available on the NAIA¹s Web site, www.naia.org. (top)

Pendley named SAC Softball Player of the Week- March 29, 2004
Tony Sanguinetti of Oklahoma City University, Sean Dryden of Oklahoma Baptist University, Jamie Pendley of University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma and Julia Hartnell of OCU were honored as baseball and softball players and pitchers of the week, respectively. Pendley, a senior first baseman and pitcher from Rush Springs, Okla., batted .611 for the week with 11 RBI, five doubles and a triple. She had a hit in all six USAO games last week and had an extra base hit in five of those games, leading the Drovers to a 6-0 record. In addition, this is Pendley's third selection for the award this season. She was also the SAC's Pitcher of the Week for March 15-21. (top)

Softball Team goes 4-0 at Avila College Tourney- March 29, 2004
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. Solidifying its position as the NAIA¹s seventh-ranked team, the USAO softball team won four more on Friday at the Avila College tournament, and extend its current winning streak to 10 games. USAO advanced to the championship game, but it was called in the top of the fourth inning because of heavy rains. The Drovers didn¹t allow a run in the tournament, defeating William Jewell, Mo., 11-0; Baker, Kan., 6-0; McKendree, Ill., 3-0; and, Illinois-Springfield 7-0. With the four wins, USAO improves to 30-5-1 overall, and was ranked No. 7 in the latest NAIA top 25 poll. This week¹s poll is due out on Tuesday afternoon. This week, the Drovers host their final two home doubleheaders of the season on Wednesday against Southern Nazarene and on Thursday against St. Gregory¹s. First pitch for both doubleheaders is set for 2 p.m. at Bill Smith Ballpark. USAO 11, William Jewell 0 USAO scored four runs in the first three innings, and added one in the top of the fifth and six in the seventh for an 11-0 win. The Drovers got five extra-base hits, including two doubles by senior Jamie Pendley and sophomore Stephanie Hey. Pendley went 3-for-3 to lead USAO, while scoring twice and driving in three runs. Pendley¹s third-inning double scored sophomores Dana Askins and Courtney Foley. Hey finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Askins (6-1) allowed one hit and struck out 10 in the complete game shutout. The left-hander only surrendered one walk and two base runners in her eighth start and fourth shutout of the season. Askins also leads USAO with a 0.91 earned run average. USAO 6, Baker Univ. 0 USAO¹s three-run rally in the top of the sixth inning broke open a close game for a 6-0 win. Senior Kristin Kauk belted a three-run triple with two outs to score Hey, senior Alissa Cordes and junior Crystal Judkins. Kauk also had a single and a run scored to go 2-for-3. Askins went 3-for-4 with a double, run scored and an RBI. She also managed to steal her team-leading 11th base. Cordes also went 3-for-4 with a run scored and RBI, while getting her fourth stolen base of the season. Pendley (11-0) allowed seven hits and struck out five for her 11th win of the season. The right-hander didn¹t surrender a walk in her 10th complete game and fifth shutout of the season. Pendley also went 1-for-3 with a single and a sacrifice bunt. She has a 1.03 ERA and leads the team with 86 strikeouts. USAO 3, McKendree 0 McKendree College proved to be USAO¹s toughest opponent, only allowing the Drovers to scored three runs, all in the bottom of the fourth inning. Pendley broke the inning open with a two-run triple to drive in Foley and freshman Morgan Skelley. Pendley also scored as sophomore Kindra Gregory reached on an error. Foley went 2-for-3 with a run scored to lead USAO. Judkins also added a double, her fourth of the season, in the sixth inning for the Drovers¹ other extra-base hit. As a team, USAO also had a tournament-low six hits. Gregory (12-3) allowed three hits and struck out eight for her third shutout of the season. For the season, the right-hander has a 1.13 earned run average, in 12 starts and 16 appearances. USAO 7, Illinois-Springfield 0 After opening the game with a two-run first inning, USAO added one in the third and four in the fourth for the 7-0 win. Newcomer J.J. Parrish scored the first run of the inning on an error by the catcher. A batter later, Judkins belted a two-run triple to score Cordes and Gregory. Judkins scored after Hey reached on an error. Kauk opened up the scoring in the top of the first with a home run in her first at-bat. It was Kauk¹s fourth round-tripper of the season. In the same inning, Askins followed with a triple and scored a batter later on a double by Pendley. Kauk also scored in the third on a double by Askins. Askins (6-1) also picked up the win on the mound, allowing four hits and striking out 10 in the complete-game shutout. (top)

Drovers jump to No. 7 in NAIA poll- March 24, 2004
Thanks to a six-game winning streak and an upset over then-No. 5 Oklahoma City, the USAO softball team jumped up eight spots to its highest ranking ever in the second NAIA poll of the regular season. USAO (26-5-1, 9-1 SAC) is tied for the No. 7 ranking in the poll, released late Tuesday afternoon on the NAIA¹s Web site. Also occupying the seventh spot in the poll is Columbia, Mo., University with a 14-3 record. Last week, USAO was ranked No. 15, but swept a doubleheader over OCU on March 18. The Drovers also have won conference doubleheaders over Oklahoma Baptist on March 23 and Oklahoma Christian on March 16. Up next for the Drovers is the Avila College tournament on Friday through Sunday in Kansas City, Mo. Their final home games of the season are March 31 against St. Gregory¹s and April 1 against Southern Nazarene. The first pitch for both doubleheaders is set for 2 p.m. at Bill Smith Ballpark. For the second straight week, Simon Fraser (B.C.) tops the poll with nine of 13 first place votes and a 13-2 record. Thomas (Ga.) is ranked No. 2 with four first place votes and a 24-2 record. Rounding out the top five are Houston Baptist (17-3), University of Mobile (25-5), and Union, Tenn., (18-3). Oklahoma City (23-7) dropped to No. 10 after the loss to USAO, and is the other SAC school in the poll. Bacone College (24-4-1) moved up one spot to No. 13. Other SAC schools receiving votes in the poll were St. Gregory¹s (21 votes), Northwestern (9), and Oklahoma Christian (5). The complete poll is available at www.naia.org. (top)

Softball Team sweeps Oklahoma Baptist- March 24, 2004
Looking to maintain its lead in the conference standings, the USAO softball team succeeded with a doubleheader sweep over Oklahoma Baptist on Tuesday. The Drovers blew past the Lady Bison 7-0 in the first game and 7-2 in the nightcap. With the wins, USAO improves to 26-5-1 overall and 9-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The Drovers are ranked No. 7 in the latest NAIA softball poll, and maintain a single-game lead over Oklahoma City in the SAC standings. This weekend, USAO is scheduled to compete at the Avila College tournament in Kansas City, Mo. In the first game, USAO scored one run in the bottom of the first, three in the third, two in the fourth and one in the sixth for the 7-0 win. Sophomore Dana Askins got things started in the first with an RBI double, her sixth of the season, to score sophomore Courtney Foley. Senior Jamie Pendley drove in all three runs in the third inning on her seventh double of the season. Foley, who started the inning off with a single, Askins and freshman Morgan Skelley all crossed home plate as the Drovers took a 4-0 lead. Junior Crystal Judkins and sophomore Kindra Gregory scored in the fourth, and Gregory added another in the sixth. Askins, (2-for-3) Judkins (2-for-3) and sophomore Stephanie Hey (2-for-2) led the Drovers as they posted nine hits for the game. Foley and Gregory each scored twice for the Drovers. Gregory (11-3) recorded eight strikeouts and allowed two hits in five innings for her team-high 11th win of the season. The right-hander also surrendered two walks. Askins struck out four and allowed a hit in two innings of relief. USAO scored four runs in the bottom of the first and collected 14 hits to win the nightcap 7-2. Askins started things off with an RBI single to score senior Kristin Kauk from second. Foley scored on a wild pitch, just before Pendley knocked a double to the gap to score Skelley and Askins. Askins (4-for-4), Skelley (3-for-4) and Pendley (3-for-4) led USAO, while Kauk scored twice. Kauk and Pendley collected the Drovers¹ only extra-base hits. Pendley (10-1) struck out seven, and allowed two runs on eight hits in five innings for the win. Askins struck out two and didn¹t allow a hit in two innings of relief. (top)

Gregory, Pendley Capture SAC Softball Honors- March 22, 2004
For the second time this season, two members of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma softball team earned the Sooner Athletic Conference Pitcher and Player of the Week honors. This time, Jamie Pendley was tabbed as the top player, and Kindra Gregory was named the top pitcher for March 15-21. Pendley, a senior from Rush Springs, was the only Drover to have a least a hit in each of USAO¹s four wins last week over Oklahoma Christian and No. 5 Oklahoma City. She had two of the Drovers¹ three extra-base hits during the week, including a double and a triple. Pendley, also a starting pitcher, finished 4-for-11 for the week. For the season, Pendley has a .297 batting average, and is second on the team with six doubles. On the mound, the right-hander leads the Drovers with a 1.01 ERA and 74 strikeouts to just 15 walks. Pendley also has a 9-1 record and four shutouts in 16 appearances and nine complete games. Gregory, a sophomore from Lexington, didn¹t allow a run in two wins over Oklahoma Christian and No. 5 Oklahoma City last week. The right-hander¹s highlight for the week was a three-hit, complete-game shutout over OCU last Saturday. Just over midway through the season, Gregory has a 1.34 earned run average and a 10-3 record. She is second on the team with 10 starts, along with three complete games, two shutouts and two combined shutouts. Gregory has also collected 49 strikeouts, to just seven walks, and 13 earned runs in 68.1 innings. Currently, the Drovers are 24-5-1 overall and lead the SAC standings at 7-1. In mid-February, another USAO pair, Pendley and sophomore Dana Askins, were named pitcher and player of week, respectively. This week, USAO is scheduled to host Oklahoma Baptist at 2 p.m. Tuesday in conference doubleheader. The Drovers are also slated to compete Friday-Sunday in the Avila College tournament in Kansas City, Mo., for the second straight season. (top)

Softball Team upsets No. 5 OCU- March 19, 2004
Facing probably its most difficult test of the season, the USAO softball team passed it with a doubleheader sweep over No. 5 Oklahoma City University on Thursday. The 15th-ranked Drovers slipped past the Stars 3-2 in the first game, and 2-1 in the nightcap at Bill Smith Ballpark. With the wins, USAO improves to 24-5-1 overall and 5-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. USAO is scheduled to host Oklahoma Baptist in a 2 p.m. doubleheader, followed by its second straight trip to the Avila, Mo., College tournament in Kansas City. In the first game Thursday, USAO junior Crystal Judkins scored the winning run on a single by freshman Morgan Skelley. Judkins, a junior, singled to start the inning and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Kindra Gregory. Senior Kristin Kauk also earned a walk in the inning. The Drovers opened the game with a two-run rally in the first. Sophomore Courtney Foley got things started by reaching base on an error. Senior Kristin Minton earned a walk. Another error allowed senior Jamie Pendley to reach first base, while Foley scored on the error. Minton scored the other run on a single by sophomore Stephanie Hey. Oklahoma City (21-7, 4-2) scored one run in the top of the fifth and tied it at 2-2 with a run in the top of the seventh. Pendley (9-1) collected the win, allowing two run on nine hits. The right-hander also struck out one batter and walked two in her fifth shutout and ninth complete game of the season. In the nightcap, USAO scored its only run in the bottom of the fifth. Pendley got things started with a single, and Hey reached base on an error. Senior Alissa Cordes pounded a single to center field, scoring Pendley from second. The Stars had chances to score in three different innings, but couldn¹t get on the board. Gregory (10-3) became the first Drover pitcher to reach 10 wins, allowing just three hits and no walks. The right-hander also didn¹t record a strikeout in her second shutout and third complete game of the season. (top)

USAO Moves to No. 15 in NAIA Softball Poll- March 17, 2004
Already with more than 20 wins on the season, the USAO softball team moved into the first NAIA softball poll. The Drovers, listed as 'others receiving votes' in the preseason survey, jumped up to No. 15 in the poll, released Tuesday on the NAIA¹s Web site. "It's a tremendous honor to be recognized for what we¹ve accomplished," said coach Julie Vergenz. "The girls have worked really hard, and it¹s good to see that pay off in the poll results." Currently, USAO is 22-5-1 overall and 5-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference, following a doubleheader sweep over Oklahoma Christian on Tuesday. The Drovers also captured the silver bracket championship at the Gulf Coast Invitational on March 5-7. "It helped for us to do well at the Gulf Coast tournament," the coach said. "There were a lot of raters there, and it was good for them to see us. Even though we struggled in a couple of games, it was good for the raters to see us compete well and come back for three wins." Vergenz said it's critical for USAO to remain in the top 15 for a shot at making the national tournament, but the Drovers must also get the job done on the field. "We're not going to make the national tournament, unless we can finish in the top four of our conference and make the regional tournament," Vergenz said. "Our goal right now is to do well in our conference, and make the tournament." USAO is one of three SAC schools represented in the NAIA's Top 25. Oklahoma City University (21-5) is the highest ranked team at No. 5, while St. Gregory¹s sits at the No. 24 spot. USAO is scheduled to host OCU Thursday in a 2 p.m. doubleheader. Simon Fraser, B.C., (11-2) collected 10 of 13 first place votes to retain the top spot. Thomas, Ga., University is ranked second. Houston Baptist (15-1), which won the Gulf Coast Invitational championship, jumped eight spots to No. 3. University of Mobile, one of USAO¹s opponents at the Gulf Coast tournament, dropped to fourth in the poll. Bacone College (20-4-1) is the only other Oklahoma school in the poll at No. 14, just ahead of USAO. Other SAC schools receiving votes in the poll were Oklahoma Christian and Northwestern Okla. State. The complete poll is available through the NAIA¹s Web site at http://naia.org/softball/ratings/2004/1.html (top)

Softball Team sweeps Oklahoma Christian- March 17, 2004
OKLAHOMA CITY The USAO softball team swept its season series over Oklahoma Christian, after the Drovers took another doubleheader from the Lady Eagles on Tuesday. USAO won the first game 2-0 and held on for a 2-1 win in the nightcap. With the wins, the Drovers improve to 22-5-1 overall and 5-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. On Thursday, No. 15 USAO is scheduled to host No. 5 Oklahoma City at 2 p.m. in an SAC doubleheader. In the first game Tuesday, USAO scored two runs in the top of the fourth, on singles by junior Crystal Judkins and sophomore Stephanie Hey. Senior Kristin Minton and sophomore Dana Askins drew walks to open the inning. Sophomore Kindra Gregory (9-3) threw a three-hit shutout over six innings for the win. Gregory now has a team-high nine wins on the season. Senior Jamie Pendley picked up her first save of the season in one inning of relief. In the nightcap, USAO scored runs in the top of the second and third for a 2-1 victory. Pendley started things off with a single and advanced to second on an error. After a sacrifice attempt, Pendley scored on a bad throw to first by the Oklahoma Christian third baseman. Senior Kristin Kauk led off the third inning with a single. On a second sacrifice attempt, Kauk scored from first after the throw was again misplayed by the OC third baseman. Oklahoma Christian scored its only run in the bottom of the sixth on a sacrifice fly. Pendley (8-1) picked up the win, allowing one run on four hits. The right-hander has a team-high 13 starts and eight complete games, along with a 1.32 earned run average. On Feb. 26, USAO defeated Oklahoma Christian, 6-1 and 3-1, in the conference opener for both teams. (top)

Softball Team splits doubleheader with Northwestern- March 12, 2004
Having won its first conference doubleheader, the USAO softball team split its second with Northwestern Thursday at Bill Smith Ballpark. The Drovers won the first game 7-0, but lost the nightcap 3-1. With the doubleheader split, USAO moves its record to 20-5-1 overall and 3-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The Drovers have the weekend off, and resume their SAC season on March 16 with a 2 p.m. doubleheader at Oklahoma Christian. On March 18, they are set to host Oklahoma City at 2 p.m. in the first of a three-date home stand. In Thursday¹s first game, USAO held a slim 1-0 lead through three innings, but came on with four runs in the fourth and two more in the sixth for the 7-0 win. Senior Kristin Kauk scored the Drovers¹ run in the first on a single by sophomore Dana Askins. Junior Crystal Judkins started USAO¹s four-run rally in the fourth with a double to score senior Jamie Pendley. Sophomore Courtney Foley scored on a single by sophomore Kindra Gregory, while Kauk drove in Judkins with a single. Gregory added the fourth run after senior Kristin Minton reached base on an error. Gregory went 2-for-3 with two singles, one RBI and a run scored, to lead USAO. Minton hit her fourth home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth for the Drovers¹ only other extra-base hit. Kauk led USAO with two runs scored. Askins (5-1) allowed five hits and struck out nine in her seventh start of the season. The left-hander didn¹t surrender a run or walk for her third shutout and seventh complete-game of the season. In the nightcap, managed just one run on three hits in a 3-1 loss. Askins, senior Alissa Cordes and sophomore Stephanie Hey collected hits for the Drovers. Sophomore Courtney Foley scored USAO¹s only run on Hey¹s single. Pendley (7-1) suffered her first loss of the season, allowing two runs on four hits in 3 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out two but didn¹t surrender a walk. Gregory allowed one run on three hits and struck out one in 3 2/3 innings of relief. (top)

Softball Team wins Silver Bracket at Gulf Coast Invit.- March 8, 2004
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. Now on pace to eclipse last season's record, the USAO softball team won the silver bracket (consolation) championship at the 2004 Gulf Coast Softball Invitational. The Drovers defeated conference-rival St. Gregory's 5-1 to claim the title. USAO went 4-2 in the 16-team tournament, which featured 10 teams ranked in the NAIA top 25, and now stands at 19-4-1 overall. This week, the Drovers host Northwestern at 2 p.m. Tuesday, and travel to Oklahoma Christian on March 16, also at 2 p.m. At the Gulf Coast tournament, the 16-team field was divided into four, 4-team pools. USAO was 1-2 in pool play a 3-2 victory over Faulkner, Ala., followed by a 4-1 loss to Univ. of Mobile, and a 2-0 loss to William Woods, Mo. The Drovers, then, won three straight 7-4 vs. Culver-Stockton, Mo., 7-0 vs. Lindsay Wilson, Ky., and St. Gregory's for the consolation title. USAO 5, St. Gregory's 1 USAO scored two runs in the top of the third and added one in the fifth and two in the sixth for the 5-1 win. Senior Kristin Kauk belted two solo home runs in the victory. Senior Kristin Minton was 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI. Sophomore Kindra Gregory (8-3) picked up the win on the mound, giving up one run on two hits. The right-hander struck out four and didn't surrender a walk in the complete game. USAO 7, Lindsay-Wilson 0 Senior Alissa Cordes, sophomore Dana Askins and Gregory each had two hits as the Drovers clobbered Lindsay-Wilson 7-0. Askins, Gregory and senior Jamie Pendley also had extra-base hits. Pendley (7-0) earned the win with a two-hit shutout. The right-hander struck out five and walked won in another complete game victory. USAO 7, Culver-Stockton 4 USAO had a 4-0 lead after three innings, but Culver-Stockton came back with four runs in the top of the fourth to tie it. The Drovers took the lead back in their half of the fourth with a run, and added two more in the sixth. Minton led the Drovers, as the senior catcher was 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI. Kauk and Askins finished with two hits each. The pair each had a double, and Askins scored twice. Gregory got her second win of the tournament, allowing one run on two hits, while striking out three and walking one in four innings. Pendley allowed three runs on three hits and struck out three in three innings. William Woods 2, USAO 0 The game was scoreless into the sixth inning, when William Woods won on a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth. Minton went 2-for-3 to lead the Drovers. Askins (4-1) suffered her first loss of the season, allowing two runs on five hits. The left-hander struck out three and didn't allow a walk in the complete game. Univ. of Mobile 4, USAO 1 After four scoreless innings, Mobile went on a four-run rally in the bottom of the sixth for the 4-1 win. Mobile was the 2003 national softball runner-up. USAO added its only run in the top of the fifth on a single by Askins, driving in Kauk from second. Kauk, Cordes, Askins and sophomore Stephanie Hey each had hits for the Drovers. Gregory took the loss, allowing four runs on four hits. She struck out five but walked four in five innings. USAO 3, Faulkner 2 USAO scored all three runs in the first two innings, and survived Faulkner's two-run rally in the third for the win. Hey went 2-for-3 with one RBI to lead the Drovers. Cordes got the Drovers' only extra-base hit, a double. Pendley picked up another complete game victory, allowing two runs on two hits. She struck out five and walked two in seven innings.(top) For any more information on the Gulf Coast Invitational Tournament go to: http://www.umobile.edu/athletic/GulfCoastInvitational.htm

Softball Team takes loss, Tie with Bacone- March 3, 2004
For only the second time this season, the USAO softball team lost a game and finished the day with a tie in a doubleheader with Bacone College Tuesday. The Drovers lost the first game 3-1 and followed with a 3-3 tie in the nightcap at Bill Smith Ballpark. The second game was at the end of the scheduled seven innings, when darkness halted play. It will not be replayed and will go down as a tie on USAO's season record. USAO now stands at 15-2-1 overall, and is scheduled to compete in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Mobile, Ala., this weekend. Next week, the Drovers are slated to travel to Oklahoma City on March 9 for a 2 p.m. doubleheader and host Northwestern at 2 p.m. on March 11. In the first game Tuesday, USAO held a slim 1-0 lead through the fourth inning. But, a three-run rally by Bacone in the top of the fifth gave the Lady Warriors a 3-1 win. Senior Kristin Minton scored the Drovers' only run of the game after belting a triple. Freshman Morgan Skelley got Minton home on a sacrifice fly, her second of the season. Minton went 2-for-2 with a walk to lead USAO. Sophomore Dana Askins, senior Jamie Pendley and sophomore Stephanie Hey collected hits for the Drovers. Sophomore Kindra Gregory (6-2) allowed three runs on six hits for her second loss of the season. The right-hander struck out four and walked on in five innings. Pendley allowed a hit and struck out two in two innings of relief. USAO scored a run in the bottom of the first to open the nightcap, but Bacone came back with two in the top of the second. The Lady Warriors added a run in their half of the fourth to take a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, USAO came back to tie it on a two-run rally. Darkness halted play after seven innings, and the game was ruled a tie. Junior Keeley McKinnon, junior Crystal Judkins, senior Alissa Cordes and Minton each had hits for USAO. Senior Kristin Kauk scored twice and Cordes added another run. Minton also finished with two RBI and the Drovers' only extra-base hit, a triple. (top)

Softball easily dispatches York, Neb.- March 1, 2004
Looking virtually unstoppable, the USAO softball team easily swept a doubleheader over York, Neb., College Saturday at Bill Smith Ballpark. The Drovers won the first game 9-0, followed by a 10-2 victory in the second. With the two victories, USAO improves to 15-1 overall. The Drovers are scheduled to host Bacone College at 2 p.m. Tuesday in a doubleheader, which was postponed from last week. This weekend, USAO is scheduled to compete in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Mobile, Ala. In the first game Saturday, USAO scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning to take a commanding 5-0 lead. The Drovers added four in their half of the fourth, before the mercy-rule ended it in the top of the fifth. Sophomore Dana Askins went 2-for-3 with two runs scored to lead USAO. Eight others collected hits, including senior Kristin Kauk, senior Alissa Cordes, senior Kristin Minton, freshman Morgan Skelley, senior Jamie Pendley, junior Keeley McKinnon, sophomore Stephanie Hey and junior Crystal Judkins. Pendley (5-0) allowed no runs on three hits and struck out six to record her fifth win of the season. She leads the team with a 0.72 earned run average, seven starts and five complete games. The USAO offense was also potent in the second game as the Drovers posted 10 runs on 15 hits in the five-inning game, called on a mercy-rule. The Drovers scored in each of the four innings they batted, including one in the first, four in the second, two in the third and three in the fourth. USAO also had three extra-base hits on doubles by Kauk and Hey, along with two triples by Skelley. Kauk, Askins and Skelley each went 3-for-3 to lead USAO, while Kauk scored three times and Askins had a team-high three RBI. Sophomore Courtney Foley finished with two hits and scored twice. Pendley, Hey, Judkins and Cordes had a single each for the Drovers. Askins (4-0) also picked up the win on the mound, allowing two runs on four hits. The left-hander struck out six and didn't allow a walk in her fourth complete game of the season.(top)

Softball Team sweeps doubleheader over OC- February 27, 2004
A two-day weather delay didn't slow down the USAO softball team, as it swept a doubleheader over Oklahoma Christian, 6-1 and 3-1, Thursday at Bill Smith Ballpark. The doubleheader was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but rain on Monday forced the delay. With the wins, USAO improves to 13-1 overall and 2-0 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. On Saturday, the Drovers are scheduled to host a doubleheader with York, Neb., College. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. Next Tuesday, USAO also hosts Bacone College at 2 p.m. in another weather-delayed doubleheader. Also next week, the Drovers are scheduled to compete in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Mobile, Ala., on March 5-7. In the first game Thursday, USAO scored two runs each in the bottom of the second and third innings, followed by another two-run rally in the bottom of the sixth. The Drovers got extra-base hits from sophomore Stephanie Hey, senior Kristin Minton and sophomore Dana Askins in the five-run victory. Leading the way for USAO were Hey, Askins and junior Keeley McKinnon with two hits each. Minton, senior Kristin Kauk and sophomore Kindra Gregory also collected hits for the Drovers. Gregory (5-1) picked up the win on the mound, allowing one hit and striking out two in 4 2/3 innings. In her sixth start of the season, senior Jamie Pendley allowed one run on two hits in 2 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out three and walked one. USAO's offense slowed just a bit in the nightcap, as the Drovers scored half the runs of their first game in a 3-1 win. Askins led with two hits and a run scored. Minton's only hit of the game was her first home run of the season, a two-run shot, in the fourth inning. Gregory, Pendley, Hey and freshman Morgan Skelley each had hits, as the Drovers collected seven hits in the game. Gregory (6-1) got her second win of the day, allowing one run on four hits. The right-hander struck out one but didn't surrender a walk in five innings. Askins collected her second save of the season, while allowing two hits and striking out one in two innings of relief. (top)

USAO pair captures weekly softball Honors- Februrary 24, 2004
First baseman Dana Askins and pitcher Jamie Pendley, both of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, have been named Sooner Athletic Conference Softball Player and Pitcher of the Week for Feb. 16-22. Askins, a sophomore from Moore, batted .379 with four homers and 10 RBI in leading the Drovers to an 8-1 week. The left-hander, who also is a starting pitcher, hit two of her f