Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirls Split with Arkansas
October 10, 2010 | Cowgirl Softball
Oct. 10, 2010
Fayetteville, Ark. — Oklahoma State's Cowgirl softball team lost its first game of the fall season, losing a 2-1 decision to the Arkansas Lady'Backs here at Bogle Park Saturday afternoon. OSU split the twinbill with a 3-1 victory in game two.
The Cowgirls scored right off the bat in the first contest on an RBI double by junior Julie Ward. With two outs in the top of the first, senior Alysia Hamilton reached on a hit-by-pitch, and scored on Ward's two-bagger to centerfield.
Arkansas tried to respond in the bottom of the inning, leading off with a pair of infield singles. But, freshman pitcher Simone Freeman struck out the side, three of her nine strikeouts in the game.
The game went scoreless the next three innings, but in the bottom of the fifth, the Lady'Backs struck again. With two outs, Freeman struck out Chloe Oprzedek, but the Arkansas shortstop reached first on a wild pitch. Macy Burr followed with an infield single, and with runners on second and third, Linnea Ketcher doubled to centerfield, scoring two.
The beginning of game two appeared identical to the first contest. OSU scored a run in the top of the first when Kelsey Anchors scored on a double by Ward, her second of the day.
Five scoreless innings later, the Cowgirls again got on the scoreboard. Amy Graham led off the frame with a single to left. With two outs, leadoff hitter Mariah Gearhart tripled to left field, plating Graham. Gearhart also scored on the play on an error by Brittany Griffiths at third.
Arkansas scored a single run in the bottom of the seventh, but sophomore hurler Kat Espinosa shut the door on the Lady'Backs and picked up the save. Senior Sarah Odom started the contest and went five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits.
Oklahoma State (6-1) will conclude the fall portion of its schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 13, as the Cowgirls host the National Pro Fastpitch All-Stars — including Cat Osterman and former Cowgirl Shanel Scott — at 6 p.m. at the Cowgirl Softball Complex.
