#4 USAO Splits Double-Header Against MACU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday afternoon, the No. 4 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (19-6, 10-4 SAC) split a double-header against rival Mid-America Christian University (15-10, 8-6 SAC). The Drovers opened the series with a tough 3-2 loss but bounced back with a 7-2 win in game two. 

The Drovers have dominated the all-time series against the Evangels, going 49-14 against MACU since April 1, 2008. Additionally, USAO has won 26 of the last 31 against MACU since 2017.

-GAME 1-

The Drovers struggled offensively and were unable to score until the final innings. In the end, it was too little, too late for USAO. 

After the series opener began with two scoreless innings, the Evangels claimed the first lead with a pair of runs in the top of the third inning. MACU added more insurance with one run in the top of the fourth. 

The score remained 3-0 until the bottom of the sixth when Jadyn Goucher drove in USAO's first run. The Drovers rallied once more in the seventh but were only able to push across one run and suffered the loss.

As a team, USAO reached the bases on six hits, and they drew one walk. The Evangels also had six hits, along with four walks. Both teams committed one fielding error.

USAO's offense was led by Malea McMurtrey's two-hit performance. McMurtrey concluded 2-3 with a run scored, a run batted in, and a pair of stolen bases. 

Macenzie Ruth, Leighanne Eaton, Taygan Graham, and Addison Willis each recorded singles in the series opener. 

Sophie Williams got the start in the circle for USAO and suffered just her third loss of the season. Williams went all 7.0 innings, surrendering three runs on six hits and she struck out six batters. This season, Williams owns a 12-3 record with a 1.30 earned run average and she has struck out 113 batters in 81.0 innings pitched. 

-GAME 2-

After trailing 2-0 early in the contest, the Drovers responded with seven unanswered runs to edge the Evangels in the second game of the series. 

MACU claimed an early lead with one run in the top of the first, followed by one more in the top of the third. However, USAO was able to use a five-run fourth inning to take the lead. The Drovers added two more insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth to put the game well out of reach. 

As a team, USAO reached the bases on eight hits and two walks. Meanwhile, the Evangels also recorded eight hits, along with one walk. The Drovers committed one fielding error, while the Evangels did not commit an error on defense. 

Malea McMurtrey once again led the Drovers at the plate, going 3-4 with a double, a run scored, a run batted in, and two stolen bases. McMurtrey has been swinging a hot-bat and has recorded multiple hits in seven of the last 11 games played. 

Taygan Graham concluded 1-3 with a run and a run batted in, while Sierra Selfridge went 1-1 with a walk and a RBI. Addison Willis and Jaylee Willis drove in one run apiece. 

Macenzie Ruth singled and scored in the win. Leighanne Eaton and Triniti Cotanny each delivered singles. 

Jayden Anderson improved her record to 5-2 with a strong 7.0 inning performance. Anderson struck out five batters while only allowing one earned run on eight hits. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers and Evangels will conclude the series with another double-header on Saturday, March 23. Saturday's twin-bill is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark.

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