Branson, MO - The McKendree University Softball team wrapped up its season-opening trip to Branson on Tuesday afternoon. The Bearcats took on both the Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers and the #11-ranked Central Oklahoma Bronchos at the Branson RecPlex. McKendree opened the day with a hard-nosed 1-0 victory over Northwestern Oklahoma State, then went toe-to-toe in an 8-inning 7-3 loss to Central Oklahoma. The win over the Rangers saw dominant pitching, while the Branson finale against the Bronchos saw the Bearcats hold a 3-0 lead until the latter innings before falling by the four-run margin.
GAME ONE | McKENDREE 1, NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE 0
In a classic pitcher's duel, the game's lone run came early, as the Bearcats capitalized in the top of the first inning.
Sami Huck reached base and eventually scored on an RBI groundout by
Lauren Harris to give McKendree, unbeknownst to them at the time, all the offense they needed.
From there, the story belonged to
Ellie Vetter. The McKendree pitcher was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout while allowing just four hits and striking out 11 batters over seven innings. Vetter consistently worked ahead in counts, neutralizing the Rangers and stranding runners when need be.
Defensively, the Bearcats were sharp behind her, including turning a double play. While runs were at a premium, McKendree was able to apply pressure on the bases and play a clean defensive game, perhaps crucial in a close-margin contest like this one.
Bearcat Batting
Lauren Harris (SS) | 1 RBI
Ali Grenzebach (2B) | 1 walk
Ellie Vetter (P) | 1 hit by pitch
Addie Clark (3B) | 1 hit by pitch
Bearcat Pitching
Ellie Vetter (W; 2-0) | 7 innings, 4 hits, 0 earned runs, 1 walk, 11 strikeouts, 111 pitches
GAME TWO | #11 CENTRAL OKLAHOMA 7, McKENDREE 3 (8 INN.)
McKendree carried that momentum into the afternoon matchup against #11 Central Oklahoma, delivering a performance that matched the ranked Bronchos punch for punch through seven innings.
After a scoreless start, the Bearcats broke through in the third inning in emphatic fashion.
Lauren Harris provided the big swing of the game, launching a three-run home run to center field to put McKendree in front, 3-0, and ignite the dugout.
McKendree starter
Sami Huck was outstanding through the middle innings, holding Central Oklahoma in check and keeping the Bearcats in control as the game moved late. The Bronchos eventually answered with solo and two-run shots in the sixth and seventh innings to knot the score at 3-3, setting the stage for extra innings.
In the eighth, Central Oklahoma capitalized on a series of baserunners and timely hits to plate four runs, breaking the deadlock. McKendree continued to battle in the bottom half, but were unable to push across a response, falling by four runs.
Bearcat Batting
Lauren Harris (SS) | 2 hits, 1 home run, 3 RBI, 2 walks
Sami Huck (P) | 1 hit
Laynee Tapp (CF) | 1 hit
Bearcat Pitching
Sami Huck (L; 1-1) | 7.1 innings, 1 walk, 14 strikeouts, 148 pitches
Olivia Tipton | 0.2 innings, 1 hit, 0 earned runs, 1 strikeout, 15 pitches
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
Chattanooga Tournament (hosted by Lee University)
vs. Shorter Hawks (2-0) & Montevallo Falcons (2-0)
Friday, February 6th - 11:30 AM & 2:00 PM
at Frost Stadium - Chattanooga, Tennessee
