OKLAHOMA CITY - Twice in the last nine days, the Mid-America Christian University softball team has had the NAIA #3 Oklahoma City University Stars on the ropes. On Saturday night at OCU's Ann Lacy Stadium, the two teams met up with a spot in the SAC Championship game - and an automatic berth to the NAIA Opening Round - on the line.
MACU (31-17) pulled in front in the top of the fifth frame on a pair of RBI singles, but OCU (53-6) answered with a two-run home run in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead back on their way to the 3-2 win.
MACU had the first scoring chance in the game, but the Evangels were unable to push a run across. Brittany Ward belted a one out double in the top of the second inning, and after a strikeout, Brook Hendrickson and Caitlin Butler were each hit with a pitch to load the bases for Ribbin Dorado. Dorado hit the ball hard, but right at the OCU third baseman Morgan McCallum who made the catch to end the inning.
OCU got on the board in the bottom of the third when a failed pick off attempt with two outs led to an unearned run, but MACU minimized the damage, and the Evangels kept the pressure coming, and in the fifth, MACU broke through.
Jessica Holt led off the inning with a single, and after a perfect sacrifice bunt from Amber O'Bryant, Alanna Leisy ripped an RBI single up the middle to tie the game at 1-1. Later in the frame, MACU pitcher Regan Martin gave herself the lead with an RBI single, and after four and one-half innings, MACU led 2-1.
In the bottom of the fifth, though, OCU answered. Kennedy Jackson drew a one out walk, and Jaci Smith followed with a long two-run home run to give OCU the edge back. Again, Martin limited the damage, but this time, the Evangels were unable to get the offense back going, as OCU held on for the 3-2 win to advance to the SAC Championship game. Because they will face the SAC regular season champions from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma - who already have an automatic bid to the Opening Round of the NAIA tournament secured - the Stars have locked up the SAC's second automatic berth.
Martin (16-6) threw well despite the loss. She allowed three runs - two earned - on only five hits and three walks in six innings of work. Kylie Dodson (25-2) earned the win in relief of Jaden Shores. Dodson gave up one earned run on three hits in two and two-thirds innings of action, and she struck out one.
Holt singled twice and scored a run for MACU, and Leisy singled, scored a run, and had an RBI. Ward doubled in three trips, and Martin singled and walked with an RBI.
MACU will return to action on Tuesday at the NCCAA Central Region Tournament. The tournament will be hosted by Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, and MACU is the top seed in the three-ream event.
