UNTOUCHABLE: Williams and Gregory Deliver Third Consecutive No-Hit Performance

BETHANY, Okla. – Tuesday evening, the No. 3 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-6, 2-0 SAC) opened conference-play in historic fashion, with back-to-back no-hitters at Southwestern Christian University (10-2, 0-2 SAC). The Drovers used Sophie Williams' perfect game to cruise to a 9-0 victory in the first game, followed by Abi Gregory's third consecutive no-hitter to lead USAO to an 11-0 win in game two.

As a team, USAO has held their opponents hitless in three consecutive games, and four out of the last five overall. The dynamic duo of Sophie Williams and Abi Gregory has been incredible over the last five games, allowing a total of two earned runs on eight hits, and they have struck out 47 batters in 31.0 innings of work.

Furthermore, the double-header sweep extended USAO's win-streak against Southwestern Christian, having now won each of the last 26 meetings with the Eagles. Science & Arts now owns a record of 41-1-2 all-time against SCU. 

-GAME 1-

After the contest opened with a pair of scoreless innings, but the Drovers were able to claim the first lead of the game with a pair of runs in the top of the third.

Science & Arts pushed the lead to 9-0 with a seven-run outburst in the top of the fourth inning, followed by perfect pitching from Sophie Williams, wrapping up the victory in only five innings, due to the "mercy rule".

Sophie Williams helped the Drover pitching staff make history, delivering the team's third no-hit performance in the last three days, except Williams took it a step further by pitching a perfect game. The sophomore showcased one of the most dominant performances in program history, striking out 10 batters in five perfect innings of work. 

On Saturday and Monday, Abi Gregory threw back-to-back no-hitters in consecutive starts against Hastings College and Benedictine College and was selected as the Sooner Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week.

As a team, the Drovers compiled 10 hits at the plate, led by a pair of two-hit performances from Jadyn Goucher and Jaylee Willis. Goucher finished 2-3 with a double and a run scored, while Willis concluded 2-3 with a pair of runs scored and a stolen base.

Jaclyn Gray extended her hit-streak to a dozen games, as she went 1-3 with a homerun and four runs batted in. 

Sierra Selfridge went 1-2 with a double and a run batted in, while Malea McMurtrey went 1-3 with a run scored and a pair of runs batted in. Tyler Trott finished 1-3 with a run scored, and Isabella Portillo went 1-3 with a run scored and a RBI.

-GAME 2-

After a scoreless first inning, the Drovers were once again able to capture an early lead, with a pair of runs in the top of the second inning, followed by four more in the third.

The score remained 6-0 until the top of the fourth inning when Science & Arts added three more insurance runs. The Drovers extended the lead to 11-0 in the top of the fifth and that was more than enough to put the game out of reach and force the "mercy rule" to come into play.

Abi Gregory continued the historic start to her collegiate career, recording her third consecutive no-hitter, and has only needed EIGHT career starts to accomplish the feat. 

On Tuesday, the only Eagles baserunner reached on a fielding error, but Gregory easily took care of business and went on to strike out nine batters. Over the last three starts, the reigning SAC Pitcher of the Week has not allowed any runs or hits, and she has struck out 28 batters in 17.0 innings.

Offensively, the Drovers produced eight hits at the plate, led by two-hit performances from Jaclyn Gray and Tyler Trott. 

Gray extended her hit-streak to 13 games, as she went 2-3 with a run scored and two runs batted in. Over the last 13 games, the reigning SAC Player of the Week is hitting 16-33 (.485) with five doubles, a triple, four homers, 10 runs scored, and 19 RBIs.

Addison Willis made the most of her only at bat of the game, blasting a two-run homerun to left field. Macenzie Ruth went 1-3 with a pair of runs scored, while Jaylee Willis went 1-3 with a run scored and a run batted in. Jadyn Goucher also singled in the win.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to Bill Smith Ballpark on Friday, March 10 as they host a double-header against Southwestern Christian University. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 and 6:00 PM in Chickasha, Okla. 

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