BETHANY, Okla. — Oklahoma Baptist came up just short Thursday afternoon as Southern Nazarene held on for a 2–1 victory in the opening game of the series in Bethany. The loss drops the Bison to 36–12 on the season, while the Crimson Storm improved to 27–23.

Runs were scarce from first pitch as both teams leaned heavily on strong pitching and defense.
Southern Nazarene struck first in the bottom of the opening inning. Kristen Mullendore reached base and advanced before Eden Anderson delivered a run‑scoring double to give the Crimson Storm an early 1–0 lead.

SNU added its second run in the third. Anderson singled and later scored when Macy Stewart drove in a run with a single to right, extending the margin to 2–0.

Oklahoma Baptist's pitching kept the game within reach throughout. Jaycee Shaffer worked six innings in the circle, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out eight.

The Bison finally broke through in the seventh. Greenlee Wells was hit by a pitch and Ally Ryan drew a walk to put runners on. A defensive miscue allowed Wells to score, trimming the deficit to 2–1. However, Southern Nazarene pitcher Baylee Sales shut the door to secure the win.

Sales earned the victory after going the distance, allowing just four hits while striking out eight. Shaffer took the loss despite the strong outing.

Bison look to sweep the doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 12 pm.