The Hillcat softball team took its first step towards gaining some national attention with a doubleheader sweep of nationally ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) at Hillcat Field on Monday.
The Drovers entered the game ranked No. 18 in the national polls but were beaten 5-2 and 5-3 by RSU. The Hillcats jumped out to an early lead with a four-run first inning highlighted by a two-run homer by freshman Taylor Whisenhunt. It was the second home run in three games for the RSU third baseman. Freshman pitcher Kelli Dunagan held the Drovers to just two runs, one earned, and finished her first complete game victory of the season. Dunagan improved to 2-0 on the season.
The Hillcats scored first in Game 2 with an unearned run in the second inning. USAO responded with a run in the top of the third but RSU regained the lead in the bottom of the inning. First baseman Bridgett Stewart led off third with a single and scored on an error by the Drovers third baseman. The Hillcats added a run in the fourth to extend the lead to 3-1. USAO tied the game at 3-3 with three consecutive two-out hits in the top of the fifth. However, Right fielder Megan Wood put the Hillcats back on top for good in the bottom of the fifth when she laced a two-out single up the middle, scoring Sydni Jones and Jenny Ailshie.
Freshman pitcher Stephanie Eggers improved to 2-0 on the season with five strong innings for RSU. Chancie Godwin took the loss in relief for the Drovers. RSU hits the road for the first time on Wednesday as the Hillcats travel to Pittsburgh State for a 2 p.m. doubleheader. The next home game for Coach Dawn Reed’s club is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27, vs. Oklahoma Wesleyan.