Softball Team Sweeps Oklahoma Baptist

SHAWNEE – Backed by strong pitching, the USAO softball team swept a low-scoring conference doubleheader Wednesday with Oklahoma Baptist. The Drovers won the first game 1-0 and came back with a 3-0 victory in the nightcap at Lady Bison Park.

With the wins, USAO improves its record to 18-7 overall and 5-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference. The Drovers are currently on an eight-game winning streak, and are scheduled to host Oklahoma Christian Saturday in a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Bill Smith Ballpark. Their next home doubleheader is March 29 against Southern Nazarene.

In the first game Wednesday, USAO scored its only run in the top of the third inning, while junior pitcher Dana Askins only allowed one base runner in the 1-0 win. Senior Alana Hare started the third inning with a single, and scored two batters later on a single by senior Crystal Judkins.

Hare (2-for-3) and junior Kindra Gregory (2-for-3) combined for four of USAO’s five hits in the game. Askins (9-4) struck out a season-high 12 batters and allowed one hit in her 12^th complete game and third shutout of the season.

The Drovers produced a bit more offense in the nightcap, scoring a run in the fourth and two in the seventh for the 3-0 victory. After a groundout to open the fourth inning, Askins earned a walk, stole second base and advanced to third on an error by the catcher. She scored two pitches later on a passed ball.

Another groundout opened the seventh for USAO, but freshman Jennifer Bridgeforth reached base on a fielding error by OBU pitcher Amanda Zahara. Two batters later, Judkins belted her sixth double of the season to score Bridgeforth and senior Stephanie Hey, who reached on a single to left field.

Judkins (1-for-4), Askins (1-for-2), Bridgeforth (1-for-3) and Hey (1-for-2) had hits for the Drovers. Judkins and Askins also had USAO’s two extra-base hits. Askins (10-4) struck out seven and allowed two hits in 4 2/3 innings for the win. Gregory, the starter, allowed three hits, two walks and struck out one in 2 1/3 innings.