Softball Team Gets Past Texas A&M-Kingsville

Early rain showers and overcast skies gave way to sunshine Wednesday, and the USAO softball team took advantage with a doubleheader sweep against Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Drovers came from behind to win the first game 2-1, but had an easier time in the second for a 4-0 victory at Bill Smith Ballpark.

With the sweep, USAO improves to 16-7 overall. The Drovers have a bit of a break before traveling to Shawnee March 22 for a 2 p.m. doubleheader against Oklahoma Baptist. On March 26, USAO is scheduled to host Oklahoma Christian in a 2 p.m. doubleheader, which was postponed from March 15.

In the first game Wednesday, Texas A&M-Kingsville, which plays in the NCAA Division II’s Lone Star Conference, opened the game with a run in the top of the first. Neither team scored until USAO won the game with two runs in the bottom of the seventh.

Freshman Tanna Truelove opened the seventh inning with a bunt single, followed by a walk by senior Alana Hare. After a pop out and a strikeout, senior Crystal Judkins belted her fifth double of the season to center field to score Truelove and Hare for the 2-1 victory.

Judkins (1-for-3), Truelove (1-for-2), junior Stephanie Hey (1-for-3), and sophomore Morgan Skelley (1-for-2) had hits for USAO. Hey had the Drovers’ other extra-base hit, a double to open the fifth inning. Junior Dana Askins (8-4) allowed one run on four hits and struck out two in the complete-game victory.

The second game Wednesday was a bit easier for the Drovers, as they scored two runs in the first, one in the fifth and one in the sixth for a 4-0 win. In USAO’s first-inning rally, Askins drove in Judkins on a groudout to shortstop, while Skelley belted her fourth double of the season to score junior Courtney Foley.

Foley scored again in the fifth after an errant throw from Kingsville catcher, Julia Canales. Hey’s sacrifice fly to right field in the sixth scored Truelove. Judkins (2-for-3) and Foley (2-for-3) had multiple hits for the Drovers, who finished with seven for the game.

Others with hits included Askins, Skelley and Hey. Junior Kindra Gregory (8-3) struck out four and allowed six hits in the complete-game shutout.