#8 USAO Completes Series Sweep Against WBU to Extend Win Streak to 14

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday afternoon, the No. 8 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (33-7, 22-2 SAC) extended their win streak to 14 as they completed the four-game sweep against Wayland Baptist University (22-14, 12-12 SAC). The Drovers opened the day with an 10-0 (5 inn.) win, followed by a thrilling 8-6 comeback win in the series finale. With the wins, USAO improves to 14-0 against WBU in head-to-head matchups.

During USAO's 14-game win streak, they have outscored opponents 120-14. Furthermore, they have won their last 19 games against conference opponents, with 12 of those wins ending via the run-rule. In total, USAO has won 14 games this season via the run-rule (8+ run lead after 5 innings).

GAME 1

Following a scoreless first inning, the Drovers captured the lead with one run in the second, followed by two more in the third. USAO's offense exploded for a seven-run rally in the bottom of the fourth, prior to holding the Pioneers scoreless in the fifth, ending the game early due to the run-rule.

Aubree Ferguson once again dazzled in the circle, producing her 11^th shutout of the season. Ferguson went all five- innings to improve her record to 16-2, allowing just four hits and struck out four batters. In 19 appearances this season, the sophomore has allowed an earned run in only three of those contests, and she currently ranks third in the NAIA in earned run average (0.56).

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 11 hits and reached on seven walks, while the Pioneers tallied four hits and drew three walks. WBU committed one fielding error, while USAO was unblemished on defense. The Drovers also blazed the basepaths, stealing 15 bases in the win, compared to zero for the Pioneers.

The Drover offense was led by a perfect offensive performance from Maveryck Lightfoot, going 3-3 with two runs and a run batted in.

Malea McMurtrey went 2-3 with a double, a walk, two runs scored, and a run batted in. Kinzie Williams finished 1-2 with a pair of walks, a run scored, and a run batted in.

Taylor Cronic concluded 1-2 with a walk, a run scored, and a pair of runs batted in.

Leighanne Eaton blasted her eighth home run of the year and drove in three runs. Eaton has homered in four of her last five games and she ranks second in the NAIA in runs batted in (56).

Lakelynn Thompson went 1-3 with a double, while Aubree Ferguson and Jordan Ramsay each singled and scored.

GAME 2

Following three consecutive run-rule wins against the Pioneers, the Drovers were locked in for a battle in the series finale.

The game began with a pair of scoreless innings, prior to WBU scoring their first three runs of the series to claim the lead. However, the lead was short-lived as the Drovers rallied for a trio of runs in the bottom half of the inning.

The Pioneers reclaimed the advantage with a two-run homer in the top of the fourth and maintained the lead until the sixth.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Drovers rallied for five runs, including Lakelynn Thompson's three-run, go-ahead home run to put USAO on top 8-5 going into the final frame.

WBU loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh but were only able to plate one run.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced eight hits and reached on four walks, while the Pioneers tallied 10 hits and drew eight walks. WBU committed four fielding errors, while USAO was unblemished on defense. In USAO's last 12 games, they have committed a fielding error in only one of those contests.

Keylee Beckwith got the start in the circle and went 2.1 innings, allowing three runs on four hits, and she struck out one batter. Jayden Anderson pitched the next 1.1 innings before handing the ball to Lakelynn Thompson.

Thompson improved her record to 6-4 as she went 2.1 innings, allowing one run on two hits, and she struck out three batters. Gabby Toquothty earned her first save of the season as she pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

The Drover offense was led by Lakelynn Thompson's powerful performance at the dish, going 2-2 with the game-winning home run, along with three runs batted in. Malea McMurtrey went 2-4 with a pair of runs scored.

Kinzie Williams drove in two runs and scored twice as she went 1-4 at the plate. Maddy Baber and Jaylee Willis each singled, while Dillyn Coe singled in the series finale.

NAIA STAT RANKINGS

USAO OFFENSE

• 1st in triples (25)
• 2^nd in runs (298)
• 2^nd in doubles (81)
• 2^nd in stolen bases (139)
• 3^rd in hits (396)
• 3^rd in extra base hits (131)
• 5^th in slg% (.551)
• 11^th in HR (23)
• 13^th in batting avg. (.362)

USAO PITCHING

• 2^nd in strikeouts (268)
• 2^nd in wins (33)
• 4^th in ERA (1.67)
• 3^rd in innings pitched (251.1)
• 15^th in WHIP (1.17)

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now head to Waxahachie, Texas for a four-game series at Nelson University on April 10-11.

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

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers