Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Softball Opens Fall Season
September 23, 2007 | Cowgirl Softball
Senior Kim Kaye sparked the offense against the Vikings, going 3-for-3 with thre runs scored and four runs batted in. Third baseman Jessica Meza, a transfer from Mt. San Antonio College, was effective as well, going 2-for-3 with a double that scored two runs.
OSU gave up two runs in the top of the first on back-to-back walks and a run-scoring single by Lindsey Stankewitz. It was the only run scored off sophomore pitcher Anna Whiddon, who gave up just two runs over the next four innings while striking out five.
The Cowgirls scored three runs in the bottom of the first, two on a triple by Kaye after CASC starter Schylar Dake hit the first two batters of the inning. OSU added two runs in the third on Meza's double, and finished off the Vikings with four more in the fourth.
Oklahoma State's offense sputtered in the second game as Alex Peters, the Crowder College starting pitcher, gave up just two hits in the first five innings, both in the second. Meanwhile, the Lady ‘Riders scored their lone run in the third, when Cassie Kissler doubled with two outs and scored on a base hit by Jessica Marble.
The Cowgirls tied the game in the bottom of the sixth. Freshman Mariah Gearhart had a one-out single, stole second and scored on Kaye's fourth hit of the day. The game was called after a scoreless eighth inning due to a predetermined time limit.
OSU won its final game of the day with a 2-1 victory over Eastern Oklahoma State College. The Cowgirls took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second when Meza scored on a sacrifice fly by senior catcher Meghan Wagner. OSU added an insurance run in the fourth on an RBI single by Gearhart that scored junior-college transfer Breana Casaus. The speedster from New Mexico, who established a national juco record with 87 stolen bases last year, had two thefts on the day.
The Mountaineers scored its only run of the game on a two-out single by Kendra White just past first base, scoring Alex Vincent. However, first baseman Heather Kim recovered nicely and threw out Laney Anderson trying to score from second, ending the threat. OSU freshman pitcher Amanda Crabtree struck out eight while scattering three hits to earn the victory.
“Kim Kaye hit the ball well all day,” said head coach Rich Wieligman, entering his second season with the Cowgirls. “We had some young kids step up and hit well. The pitching did ok. As a team, we're not there yet. I told them that we didn't play our best game today. But, we don't want to play our best game until next April or May.”
Oklahoma State will return to action on Thursday, Sept. 27, as the Cowgirls host Oklahoma Christian at 5 p.m. at Cowgirl Stadium.
