SHAWNEE, Okla. — Oklahoma Baptist closed with a 7-5 loss on Friday, trailing an explosive third inning by Harding that would carry momentum for the remainder of the game. Despite a late offensive push, a failed steal attempt by OBU concluded the series at 2-1 for Harding and put OBU at 34-8 on the season.
After a scoreless first inning, Harding brought in Lana Danielson for the first run of the game off an RBI single by Bailey Willis grounded down the middle.
OBU responded by loading the bases with back-to-back walks for
Abby Laskowski and
Keirstin Briggs followed by an intentional walk for
Greenlee Wells, the team's leading home-run hitter.
Katelyn Kilgore's two-RBI single to right field gave OBU a 2-1 lead going into the third.
Harding's performance would be highlighted by a third inning rally beginning with two singles from Bailey Robinson and Zoey Neal. Two walks brought in the tying run for Harding before Alexis Boswell ripped a two-RBI double down the left field line. Kate Pierce swung in two more runs on a single down the right field.
Harding would only bring in one more run before the game's conclusion thanks to a four strikeout pitching performance by
Jaycee Kelln, allowing the Bison to put up a final fight in the seventh inning. A quick double by
Kaley Cook was complimented by a
Haley Hacker RBI hit to shallow left field, placing the score at 7-5. One final attempt to steal second base would result in a tagout and seal the game.
OBU softball next travels to take on Northeastern State University in a Tuesday, Apr. 14 doubleheader starting at 4 p.m. in Tahlequah.
