No. 7 OLLU Softball Defeats No. 6 Science and Arts In A Nonconference Doubleheader

SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 17, 2024) – The anticipation was high all week as the Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) softball team could think of little else other than playing the No. 6 team in the NAIA University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO). The No. 7 Saints knew it was going to be a tough matchup, but they came prepared and succeeded in winning both games of the doubleheader 2-1 and 7-2.  The Saints improve to 10-1 overall while the Drovers drop to 4-2.

History

The Saints are 4-2 against USAO. Last year, the Saints won the doubleheader 6-2 and 12-6.

Game one

Cassandra Valdez started in the circle, and she allowed two quick hits to start the game, but struck out two to get back on track. A Saints' error in the second inning resulted in a run for the Drovers. A hit from Kristee Salas sent Ava Hernandez home to put the game at 1-1. In the third inning, Valdez hit what would end up being the game-winning home run.

Kayla Dreese, Valdez, Marissa Bradley, Salas and Eneli Garza each had one hit with Valdez and Salas getting the two RBIs. Securing stolen bases were Dreese, Valdez, Madison Garza, Eneli Garza and Bradley. The one run scored by the Drovers was from Sophie Williams.

Valdez pitched a complete game and allowed six hits, while striking out eight to earn the win. Williams also pitched a complete game, allowing five hits, while striking out three.

Game two 

After a scoreless fourth inning, Dreese hit to right and scored Celina Wilharm. With the score at 4-0, the Drovers were finally able to put a run on the board after a homer from Jadyn Goucher. A Saints' error put pinch-runner Jaylee Willis on base, and she later scored after a ground out from Addison Willis. To close out the fifth, Ariana Alejandro scored for the Saints, and a hit from Salas sent Hernandez home to give the Saints the 6-2 lead. A double from Hernandez in the sixth gave Grace Ross the opportunity to score and the Saints won 7-2.

Ross led the Saints' offense after going 2-for-3 adding two runs. Hernandez recorded two RBIs on two hits, including a double, and one run. Salas went 2-for-3 and added a run and an RBI. Dreese went 2-for-4 and added two RBIs. Dreese, Alejandro and Wilharm each had a stolen base.

Hernandez pitched 5.1 innings and allowed four hits and two runs, while striking out four, to earn the win. Valdez closed the game for the save and pitched 1.2 innings while striking out two.

Jayden Anderson took the loss for the Drovers after pitching 4.2 innings.

Hear from Head Coach Bruce Lenington, plus players Ava Hernandez and Cassandra Valdez

What's next

The Saints will play at Texas A&M University – San Antonio next on Feb. 24 beginning at 12 p.m.