Jessi Haffner Home Run Lifts Cowgirls To Win Over Texas

Friday, March 24

Stillwater, OK

6:30 PM

Oklahoma State University

Texas

March 24, 2017 | Cowgirl Softball

Box Score

Photos

STILLWATER, Okla. ---- Junior Jessi Haffner blasted a solo home run to center field Friday night to lift the Oklahoma State Cowgirls to a 1-0 win over Texas at Cowgirl Stadium. The win moves OSU to 1-0 in conference play and was the first victory over the Longhorns since 2014.

Senior Brandi Needham (10-4) threw her third complete-game shutout of the year to earn the victory in the circle for the Cowgirls.

"I think the story of the night was Brandi," head coach Kenny Gajewski said. "I think the eight days off may have helped her the most. She's been working hard eating up a lot of quality innings. She was really good."

Haffner's home run in the second was the difference in the game as the two teams held each other to six hits on the night. The deep shot was her fourth homer of the year.

Oklahoma State (20-11) couldn't have asked for a much better start from Needham. She went all seven innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six. The shutout was the first conference shutout for OSU since a 1-0 win over Baylor in 2015.

Haffner led the way at the plate for the Cowgirls, going 1-for-2 with a walk and the solo home run. Alex Edinger also shined going 2-for-2 on the night. Madi Sue Montgomery recorded the other hit of the night for OSU going 1-for-2.

"Honestly, I think we were all really pumped to get conference play started," Haffner said. "Texas is a big team. To have them come to our stadium. I was super pumped about all our fans. They were rowdy. Friday night game at 6:30? Doesn't get better than that."

With the win, Oklahoma State improved to 1-0 in Big 12 play for the first time since 2010.

Defensively, The Cowgirls played well behind Needham. Oklahoma State retired the last 14 Texas hitters in order. Maddi Holcomb made a highlight-reel driving catch in right center field in the top of the sixth inning. Holcomb was fully extended and managed to make the play while sliding into the warning track.

With the loss, Texas slipped to 17-12 on the year.

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Up Next: Oklahoma State returns to action Saturday for game two against the Longhorns on at 2 pm. The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Oklahoma. Fans can listen to the game on 105.5 FM in Stillwater, follow live stats at okstate.com or on Twitter (@CowgirlSB).