Eaton’s Heroics Highlight USAO’s Sweep at Day Two of NAIA SB Invitational

SHAWNEE, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the No. 9 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-1, 0-0 SAC) concluded the 2026 NAIA SB Invitational with a double-header sweep against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) and No. 16 Missouri Baptist University. USAO opened the day with an 11-3 run-rule victory against ERAU, followed by an exhilarating 5-4 walk-off win against MBU.

GAME 1 vs EMBRY-RIDDLE (3-6, 0-0 CCC)

The Drovers got off to a good start, scoring once in the top of the first inning. However, the Eagles responded with a trio of runs in the bottom half of the first.

USAO would then go on to score 10 unanswered runs to earn the run-rule victory. The Drovers scored once in the second and third innings to pull the score even going into the fourth. USAO rallied for three runs in the fourth, prior to four runs in the fifth and their final run in the sixth.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 15 hits and reached on four walks, while the Eagles tallied six hits and drew zero walks. Both teams committed one error on defense.

Jayden Anderson recorded one out in the first inning, prior to handing the ball to Aubree Ferguson for the final 5.2 innings. Ferguson surrendered zero runs on four hits and struck out five batters.

The Drover offense was led by a pair of four-hit performances from Taylor Cronic and Kinzie Williams. Cronic was perfect at the plate, going 4-4 with a home run, two runs scored, and four runs batted in. Williams went 4-5 with a double and three runs scored.

Maveryck Lightfoot was also perfect at the dish, going 2-2, with two walks and three runs scored. Leighanne Eaton finished 2-3 with a pair of doubles, a walk, two runs scored, and three runs batted in.

Lakelynn Thompson went 1-3 with a double and two runs batted in. Jadyn Goucher and Jordan Ramsay each went 1-3 with singles.

GAME 2 vs #16 MISSOURI BAPTIST (7-5, 0-0 HAAC)

MBU was able to jump out to an early lead with one run in the top of the first inning, but USAO quickly answered as Leighanne Eaton launched a solo-homer in the bottom of the first inning.

The Spartans would regain the lead with a run in the top of the second, but the Drovers were again quick to respond, as Jadyn Goucher blasted a solo-home run to pull the score even at 2-2 going into the third.

USAO took its first lead of the game as Kinzie Williams drove in Savannah Senkel in the bottom of the fourth inning. MBU continued the chaos by scoring a pair of runs in the top of the fifth to take a late 4-3 advantage.

Down by one in the bottom of the seventh, hometown hero, Leighanne Eaton stepped to the plate and demolished a two-run, walk-off home run to center field, giving the Drovers their third win of the season against a ranked opponent (#16 MBU x2 and #22 TAMUT).

As a team, the Drovers offense produced nine hits and reached on three walks, while the Spartans tallied six hits and drew two walks. Despite committing three fielding errors, USAO still found a way to cling to victory, meanwhile MBU's defense was unblemished.

Keylee Beckwith got the start in the circle for USAO and went all 7.0 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits, while striking out four batters.

The Drover offense was led by another heroic performance from Leighanne Eaton. Eaton concluded 2-3 with a pair of home runs, a walk, and three runs batted in. So far this season, the Chickasha native is batting 15-25 (.600), with four doubles, three homers, nine runs scored, and 18 runs batted in. Eaton's on base percentage is .643, while slugging an astounding 1.120.

Kinzie Williams concluded 2-4 with a run batted in. Jordan Ramsay, Jadyn Goucher, and Savannah Senkel each singled and scored in the win.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers return to the field tomorrow (Feb. 22) as they host their home-opener with a double-header against the defending NAIA national champion and top-ranked Southern Oregon University. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark.

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