Drovers Drop First Game of World Series Against No. 3 University of the Cumberlands

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Thursday night, the No. 6 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (42-14, 25-7 SAC) opened the 2023 NAIA Softball World Series with a tough 2-1 loss against No. 3 seed University of the Cumberlands (48-3-1, 21-0 MSC). 

The Drovers are appearing in their seventh NAIA Softball World Series, while the Patriots are making their first appearance in the tournament. 

The Drovers got off to a terrific start and scored Sophie Williams on Taygan Graham's double to right field, in the top of the first inning.

The score remained 1-0 in favor of USAO until the bottom of the third inning when Cumberlands brought in a pair of runs to take a 2-1 lead.

Science & Arts was unable to build any momentum on offense for the remainder of the contest, thus placing the team in a win or go home scenario for the remainder of the tournament.

Despite suffering the loss, Sophie Williams continued to impress in the circle, allowing only two earned runs on six hits, and she struck out three batters in 6.0 innings of work. 

Offensively, the Drovers compiled just three hits, while the Patriots produced six.

At the conclusion of the contest, Graham finished 1-3 with a double and a run batted in, while Sophie Williams went 1-3 with a run scored. Sierra Selfridge also added a single as she went 1-3 at the plate. 

2023 USAO SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES HYPE VIDEO --> WATCH HERE

WHAT'S NEXT?

On, Friday May 26, Science & Arts will face No. 10 seed Midland University in the first elimination game of the World Series. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM CT at South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Ga.

The Drovers have previously appeared in the NAIA Softball World Series in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2018, 2019, and 2022. Science & Arts won the 2018 World Series, followed by third-place finishes in 2019 and 2022.

Stay up to date on all Science & Arts Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers