Cowgirl Softball Takes Care Of OCU, 8-3

Oklahoma State's softball team cruised to an 8-3 win against Oklahoma City Tuesday evening at Cowgirl Stadium in its regular season home opener.

The Cowgirls plated their first run of the game in the bottom of the first. Shanel Scott started the game with a walk, stole second to get in scoring position and moved to third on base hit from Courtney Totte. Scott and Totte then stole home and third, respectively, before Totte was thrown out at the plate.

OSU's second at-bat started with another walk and looked much the same. Jade Lindly earned the free pass, stole second and advanced to third on a single from Scott. Lindly then scored on an error by OCU's second baseman. Nicholson capped off the inning with a double to bring Scott home.

The Cowgirls continued to roll in the fourth, loading the bases with a pair of singles and an intentional walk. With just one out and the bases loaded Lacy Darity was hit by a pitch to send Lauren Kitchens home. Heather Been then laid down a sacrifice bunt to score Scott and the Cowgirls had a 5-3 lead.

Oklahoma State's offense continued to click in the fifth as OSU plated three runs off three hits.

Lindly led off the inning with her first home run of the year, a solo shot to left field. Shianne Cruce and Scott followed with back-to-back singles and moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Totte then grounded out to second base but it gave Cruce the time needed to score. Another wild pitch followed from OCU's Julia Hartnell and Scott used her speed to cross home plate for the Cowgirls eighth run of the game.

OCU scored one run in the first, second and fourth innings to keep the game close early, but it was not enough for the win.

Kristen Neil earned the start for Oklahoma State. Neil gave up two runs, one earned, and walked one in three innings. Jessica Hoppock (3-0) picked up the win and was impressive in four innings of relief, striking out seven and allowing one run on two hits.

The Stars used three pitchers in the contest. Meilssa Rhodes gave up three runs in two innings. Hartnell (0-1) allowed five runs in three innings and Angela Stratton closed out the contest, holding the Cowgirls scoreless in the final frame.

Oklahoma State returns to Cowgirl Stadium to host North Carolina at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19.

OCU 110 100 0 - 3 6 2

OSU 120 230 X - 8 10 4

Rhodes (2.0), Hartnell (3.0), Stratton (1.0) and Vaughn. Neil (3.0), Hoppock (4.0),

Totte and Been. WP: Hoppock (3-0). Hartnell (0-1). 2B: OCU-McGowen, Gomez. OSU-Nicholson.

HR: OSU-Lindly. Time: 2:20. Attn: 220.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

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