SHAWNEE – Kayleigh Jones tossed her way to a five-inning no-hitter in OBU's (31-21, 17-14 GAC) 8-0 opening series win over Henderson State (12-30, 9-22 GAC) on Saturday evening at Bison Softball Park.
For Jones, it is the second no-hitter of the season and her career. It was the first time in Bison history since Becky Carter and Andrea Tselee accomplished the feat in 1984, tallying couple apiece. However, it is the first of the Division II era.
The junior fanned eight batters in 5.0 innings of work to earn her 20th win of the season, three shy of the single-season school record of 23 (Hannah Wilbur, 2014).
In the batter's box, the work of Shelby Warden and Jocee Sparks steered the offensive ship, tallying two RBIs apiece. Sparks went yard for the 10th time this season, the most produced by a Bison since 2019.
Following a scoreless inaugural frame, highlighted by two Jones' strikeouts, OBU got on the board.
Aileen Avelar and Gwyn Miller singled to ignite the second inning action, placing two on base. Then, Sheyanne Sandoval reached on an HSU error to load the bases.
Another Henderson State miscue put the next batter, Sammie Greene, on base and scored the remaining three for a 3-0 lead.
The Bison tacked on another in the third, courtesy of a solo shot from Sparks to go up 4-0.
Then, OBU established its dominance with a four-run eruption in the fourth. Following a Reagan Ford single, the bases were loaded again. A pitch hit Sparks to plate the fifth score of the night, and Shelby Warden brought the calvary home with a double.
OBU's scoring ceased as a Miller walked earned an 8-0 advantage.
Afterward, Oklahoma Baptist made quick work of the opposition, closing out the fifth inning 1-2-3 to call the game early.
Reagan Ford led the team with a 2-3 showing at the plate, a part of six other Bison hits.
OBU returns tomorrow in hopes of clinching the series in a doubleheader, starting at noon.
