#6 USAO Completes 4-Game Sweep Against WBU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the No. 6 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-2, 2-0 SAC) opened conference play with an impressive double-header sweep against Wayland Baptist University (2-12, 0-2 SAC). USAO opened the day with a dominant 10-0 win, followed by an exciting 12-0 triumph in the finale. In the four-game series, the Drovers outscored the Pioneers 41-2.

-GAME 1-

After the game opened with a scoreless first inning, USAO took the first lead of the game with four runs in the bottom of the second inning. The Drovers extended their lead to 9-0 with five runs in the bottom of the third, highlighted by Leighanne Eaton's third homerun of the series. USAO pushed the lead to 10-0 with one run in the bottom of the fourth before Sophie Williams slammed the door shut on the Pioneers in the fifth, ending the game early due to the "mercy rule".

Sophie Williams was dominant once again in the circle for USAO and improved her record to 5-1 so far this season. The 2023 SAC Pitcher of the Year was nearly perfect, striking out 10 batters, while only allowing one hit and no runs in 5.0 innings of work. So far this season, Williams has produced a 0.45 earned run average, and she has struck out 52 batters in 31.1 innings pitched.

As a team, the Drovers produced seven hits, while holding the Pioneers to only one. The USAO offense was led by Sierra Selfridge's 2-2 performance that included a double, a walk, and two runs scored. Jordan Ramsay delivered a terrific performance, concluding 1-2 with a triple, two runs scored, and three runs batted in. Leighanne Eaton launched her fourth homer of the season as she went 1-3 with two RBIs. Taygan Graham went 1-3 with a run scored and a run batted in. Malea McMurtrey and Jadyn Goucher each singled and scored in the win. Shaylann Grace drove in one run and scored twice.

-GAME 2-

For the second game in a row, neither team was able to score in the first inning, but USAO did take an early lead, with three runs in the bottom of the second inning, highlighted by Sierra Selfridge's RBI-double. The Drovers extended the lead to 5-0 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third inning. USAO put the game far out of reach with a seven-run scoring outburst in the bottom of the fourth. 

Abi Gregory got the start in the circle and delivered 3.0 scoreless innings to improve her record to 1-0 so far this season. Gregory only surrendered one hit and she struck out four batters. Jayden Anderson pitched the next 1.1 innings, allowing zero runs and she struck out a batter. Allison Couch recorded the final two outs in the circle for USAO.

As a team, USAO compiled eight hits, led by Sierra Selfridge's 2-2 performance that included a double, a walk, a run scored, and a run batted in. Malea McMurtrey went 1-2 with a triple, two runs scored, and a RBI. Taygan Graham went 1-2 with three RBI's. Kamryn James blasted a two-RBI double in her only at bat of the game. Sophie Williams, Jadyn Goucher, and Jordan Ramsay each singled in the win. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now head to Alabama for five non-conference games, beginning with a showdown at No. 12 ranked University of Mobile in Mobile, Ala. on Thursday, February 29 at 12:00 PM CT. USAO will then begin the Gulf Shores Invitational in Gulf Shores, Ala. on Friday, March 1 with a double-header against No. 3 ranked University of the Cumberlands at 1:30 PM, followed by LSU Alexandria at 3:45 PM CT. The Drovers will wrap up the weekend on Saturday, March 2 with a twin-bill against Campbellsville University at 3:45 PM, and No. 16 Middle Georgia State University at 6:00 PM CT.

Stay up to date on all Drover Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers