Oklahoma State University Athletics
Softball Struggles Through Kia Klassic
June 21, 1999 | Cowgirl Softball
March 21, 1998
FULLERTON, Calif. - Key injuries and illnesses played roles in the results of this weekend's tournament. Cowgirl ace Leanne Tyler has spent the last week back home in Australia practicing with the Australian Olympic team, while catcher Jessica Crawford stayed in Stillwater while suffering from a knee injury.
A stomach virus forced several starters to miss games this weekend, including third-baseman Kristi Boelle, second-baseman Melissa Turley and rightfielder Katie Wise.
OSU lost to top-ranked Arizona in the first game of the weekend, 8-0, on Thursday afternoon. The Cowgirls rebounded with the 3-2 victory over Canisius that evening. Oklahoma State came back Friday afternoon and lost to host-school Cal State-Fullerton, 1-0, in a game that featured three former Cowgirls wearing Titan uniforms. Stephenie Little, Jana Oetgen and Kristie Osborn wereall former Cowgirls.
Finishing third in its pool, Oklahoma State played Southwestern Louisiana in the first round of bracket play Friday night. USL won, 4-2, and knocked OSU out of the championship bracket.
The Cowgirls had one more chance to pick up a win Saturday afternoon, playing Oregon State in the consolation bracket. There was also a revenge factor for Oklahoma State, having lost to the Beavers earlier in the season in the Fresno State Softball Classic. Oregon State prevailed, 8-3, in a game that saw five Cowgirl errors.
Oklahoma State (23-7) will return to action on Thursday, Mar. 26, as the Cowgirls will travel to Wichita, Kan., to face the Wichita State Shockers in doubleheader action.
