ARKADELPHIA, Ark. -- Oklahoma Baptist (16-12, 11-3 GAC) secured a 5-2 victory over Henderson State on Saturday at Dee White Field. Behind a stellar complete-game performance from
Jaycee Shaffer, the Bison controlled the game from start to finish.
The Bison struck early, plating two runs in the first inning.
Kaley Cook walked to lead off, later scoring on a fielder's choice by
Morgan Max.
Greenlee Wells added an RBI single to push the lead to 2-0. An inning later,
Sammie Greene's RBI single made it 3-0.
HSU responded in the third when Mackenzie Williams reached on an error, allowing Jordyn Holland to score an unearned run. The Reddies inched closer in the fourth after a sacrifice fly from Jay Albiter made it 3-2.
Despite multiple scoring opportunities for Henderson State, Shaffer (9-1) remained composed, limiting the Reddies to just four hits and one earned run across seven innings while striking out two.
The green and gold put the game away in the seventh when Wells launched a solo home run to right-center. Later in the inning, Cook delivered an RBI double to score
Payton Bragg, giving the Bison a three-run cushion.
Henderson State's Brooke Johnson (3-2) took the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) in 4.1 innings. Jersey Cabana and Presley Applegate combined for 2.2 innings in relief, surrendering two additional runs.
The Bison collected nine hits, led by Wells (2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI) and Cook (2-for-4, 2B, RBI, SB). Oklahoma Baptist will look to continue its momentum in the next matchup, traveling to Texas Woman's University on March 19 for a 4 p.m. doubleheader.
