DENTON, Texas (April 13, 2022) – In a rare midweek game for the Texas Woman's University softball team, the Pioneers recorded 16 hits in two losses to Oklahoma Baptist University.

TWU (9-28, 4-20 Lone Star Conference) played a nonconference matchup against OBU (27-18, 13-11 Great American Conference) on Wednesday, April 13 at Dianne Baker Field. The Pioneers lost the first game 5-4 and the second game 6-3. 

In game one, the Bison took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning; however, they did not hold the lead for long.

To start the bottom of the third inning, Nya Brown was walked and quickly stole second base. Then, Leah Deaver crushed a double up the middle, marking her third double of the season. Brown advanced to third on Deaver's double. With Brown on third and Deaver on second, Paige Tamayo hit a single to score Brown.

With the game tied at one-a-piece, OBU broke the tie with a three-run fourth inning. The Bison tacked on one more run in the top of the sixth inning.

Facing a 5-1 deficit in the bottom of the seventh inning, TWU came alive and responded in a big way to close the game.

In the Pioneers first at-bat of the seventh inning, Cecily Rodriguez crushed her first triple of the season to get into scoring position. Then, Rodriguez lit the scoring fire by crossing home on a wild pitch. After her run, the Pioneers suffered back-to-back outs.

Two outs on the board and down 5-2, the Bison pitcher walked Brown. In the clutch position, Lily Wilson hit her first triple of the season to score Brown. Still facing two outs, Deaver stepped up to bat and singled along the right field foul line to score Wilson. Despite being down by one run, the Pioneers could not find the tying or winning run.

TWU dropped the first game of the night 5-4.

Deaver and Tamayo led the Pioneers with two hits each.

In the game, Brown stole one base, marking her 24th stolen base on the season. Brown currently ranks sixth in the Lone Star Conference in stolen bases.

In the circle, Jalee McDonald (4-12) started and pitched three innings. McDonald was relieved by Jules Malis, who pitched four innings, and struck out four batters.

After a 30-minute intermission, the Bison and Pioneers faced off for the second game of the evening.

Despite the chill in the wind to start the second game, TWU kicked off the game with a lot of heat. The Bison opened the first inning with one run. Then, the Pioneers responded with a huge three-run inning.

After a McDonald single to right field, Rodriguez and Wilson both scored on errant throws by the Bison. McDonald, who advanced to third on a throw, scored after Gracelyn Taylor singled through the right side.

The Bison scored one run in the second inning and two each in the fifth and sixth to finish with six runs in the game. TWU was unable to answer after the huge first inning and lost the second game 6-3.

Kate Franz, Wilson and Deaver led the Pioneers with two hits each.

Kelsie Briggs (4-11) started in the circle for TWU. She faced 27 batters and struck out three. Malis entered the game in the sixth inning and faced five batters, striking out two.

The Pioneers go on the road for their next game. They travel to Durant, Oklahoma to play Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Tuesday, April 19 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.