#9 USAO and #1 Southern Oregon Split the Battle of the Champions

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Sunday afternoon, the No. 9 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (8-2, 0-0 SAC) hosted their home-opener against the top ranked, defending national champions Southern Oregon University (14-4, 0-0 CCC). USAO suffered a 6-0 loss in the first game, followed by an exciting 5-3 win in the finale.

The Drovers and the Raiders are two of NAIA's most prolific softball programs over the last decade, having combined for five of the last seven NAIA national championships (USAO in 2018 | SOU in 2019, 21, 23, 25). Furthermore, the two heavyweights have produced five of the last seven NAIA Coach of the Year awards, and four of the last seven NAIA Pitcher of the Year awards. Southern Oregon has also been home to three NAIA Player of the Year award winners since 2018.

GAME 1

Following a pair of scoreless innings, the Raiders struck first with one run in the top of the third inning. Southern Oregon proceeded to add insurance over the next two innings, scoring four runs in the fourth, prior to their final run in the fifth. SOU continued to keep USAO scoreless over the final two innings to finish the shutout.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced six hits and reached on two walks, while the Raiders tallied 10 hits and drew five walks. Both teams committed one fielding error.  

Aubree Ferguson got the start in the circle for USAO and pitched 3.0 innings, allowing four runs on six hits, and she struck out one batted. Keylee Beckwith pitched the next two innings, surrendering two runs on four hits and she struck out a pair of batters. Jayden Anderson tossed the final two scoreless innings.

The Drover offense was held at bay against the 2025 NAIA Pitcher of the Year (Ayla Davies). Leighanne Eaton found the most success against Davies, going 2-3 with a double. Vanessa Portillo, Maveryck Lightfoot, Jadyn Goucher, and Savannah Senkel each singled in the first game.

GAME 2

Following a scoreless first inning, the Drovers captured their first lead of the day with a four-run outburst in the bottom of the second, highlighted by Vanessa Portillo's solo-home run to center field.

SOU scored once in the top of the third inning followed by a pair of runs in the fifth to trim their deficit to one (4-3).

However, the Drovers immediately got some insurance as Jadyn Goucher drove in a run in the bottom half of the fifth.

Lakelynn Thompson held off the Raiders over the final two innings to close out the resume booster.

In total, Thompson improved her record to 2-1 as she pitched 7.0 stellar innings, allowing one earned run on seven hits, and struck out three batters.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 10 hits and reached on two walks, while the Raiders tallied seven hits and drew six walks. Both defenses committed one fielding error.

The Drover offense was led by Jadyn Goucher's perfect performance at the plate, going 3-3 with a run scored and a run batted in. Kinzie Williams contributed a pair of singles as she finished 2-4 at the dish.

Vanessa Portillo concluded 1-3 with her first collegiate home run. Taylor Cronic continued to produce at the bottom of the order, going 1-3 with a run scored and a run batted in. Kamryn James finished 1-2 with a double, while Savannah Senkel went 1-2 with a walk and a run scored. Leighanne Eaton drove in a run on a sacrifice fly.

WHAT'S NEXT?

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Drovers will open conference play as they travel to Southwestern Christian University. First pitch of the double header is slated for 1:00 PM CT in Bethany, Okla.

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