Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Softball Wraps Up Fall Season
November 04, 2020 | Cowgirl Softball
STILLWATER — The Oklahoma State softball team wrapped up its fall scrimmage season last Sunday, playing against one another in a best-of-seven series.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Cowgirls were unable to play against outside competition this fall, so coach Kenny Gajewski split his team in half and created a competitive atmosphere for his squad at Cowgirl Stadium.
"We were able to have two very competitive teams because of the Covid-19 year (of eligibility)," Gajewski said. "We did them with umpires, a full scoreboard and pretty nice crowds each week we had the scrimmages."
It was a tight series throughout, but Team Orange came out on top, taking the series four games to three.
The NCAA ruled in March that athletes in any spring sport that had its season shortened would receive an extra year of eligibility. Cowgirl head coach Kenny Gajewski said the rule has helped create one of his most impressive teams to date.
"I'm excited about what this team can do," Gajewski said. "We're going to play a top-notch schedule as long as everything stays on pace and we have the ability to be a top-10 team again."
Gajewski's optimism isn't without merit. Coming off of a WCWS run in 2019, the Cowgirls were ranked No. 12 in the nation before the Covid-19 ended the 2020 season. They return every starter from a year ago, including all three starting pitchers: Carrie Eberle, Kelly Maxwell, and Logan Simunek.
Eberle had an outstanding 2020 season, finishing 10-1 on the year while leading the Big 12 with a 0.46 ERA. Maxwell also shined in her first season with the Cowgirls. In her first career start, she threw a perfect game against Florida A&M and finished her freshman season with a 1.51 ERA.
On the other side, OSU's hitters were on a record-breaking pace at the plate last season. Alysen Febrey hit .382 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in just 24 games. Sydney Pennington and Kiley Naomi also finished the season on hot streaks, batting .375 and .355 respectively.
With the fall scrimmage season now finished, the Cowgirls prepare for the regular season, which is slated to begin in the spring. OSU is looking to get back to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City for the second time in three years.
