RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Oklahoma Baptist pitcher Kayleigh Jones has been named the Great American Conference Co-Pitcher of the Week after leading the Bison to its best start in the Division II era.
It is Jones' sixth weekly honor from the GAC in her career.
Jones and company posted a 5-0 record at the Mardi Gras Invitational last weekend, highlighted by a 6-0 win over No. 6 Texas A&M-Kingsville. It was the program's first-ever victory against a top-25 opponent since joining DII.
The Claremore, Okla., earned a 3-0 record in three appearances versus Delta State, TAMUK, and Mississippi College. She totaled 30 strikeouts and surrendered just one run for a .47 earned run average (ERA).
In her 2023 debut against the Lady Statesman, Jones fanned 12 in 5.0 innings without giving up a run. It marked the seventh time Jones has struck out 12 in a game in her career. She reappeared against the nation's sixth-best lineup on Friday to strike out 11 in 7.0 innings. With the sum, Jones became the Bison all-time leader for strikeouts, passing Destini Anderson's record (473) that stood for nearly 22 years.
Jones garnered her third win in the weekend finale against Mississippi College, leading the Bison to a 2-1 victory. Jones struck out seven of the 25 batters she faced and allowed one run.
Oklahoma Baptist returns to action this Friday, Feb. 10, at the Midwestern State Round-Up. OBU is set to face Fort Hays State, Cameron, Rockhurst, and Midwestern State.
