Softball | 2/29/2020 10:42:00 AM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2  
CHICKASHA, Okla. – The Oklahoma Panhandle State University softball team opened its four-game series versus the NAIA's No. 2-ranked team – the University of Science and Art-Oklahoma – with a doubleheader loss on Friday.  The Aggies were defeated by the Drovers, 9-1 in the first game and 5-2 in the second.
 
The teams will cap the series with a Saturday (Feb. 29) twinbill, beginning at 12 p.m.
 
In game one, OPSU found itself run-ruled in six innings by national power USAO. The Aggies trailed 8-0 in the top of the fifth, when junior infielder Jaylinn Reyes slugged a two-out solo homerun, before the Drovers plated a run in the sixth to halt the game after going ahead by eight.
 
Kayli Grove (1-2) had Panhandle's only other hit in the game.
 
Senior Kaylor Battiest absorbed the loss. Battiest went 2.0 innings, allowing three hits. Battiest was a victim of Aggie errors and wildness, as she was charged with six runs, but just three earned. She walked six Drovers, as well.
 
In the second contest of the day, it was a similar scenario. The Aggies trailed USAO, 5-0, heading into the final frame. Grove reached on a misplayed fly ball, ending up on second. Camryn Pryor singled to left, as Grove moved up to third and scored on a ground out. Abby Gregory, who came in as a pinch runner for Pryor, stole second and took third on the same ground out that plated Grove.
 
Sarah Conley grounded out to short for the second out and allowing Gregory to score the Aggies' second run, for the final 5-2 score.
 
Hits were once again at a premium for OPSU, which managed two versus USAO in the second game, as well. Reyes had Panhandle's other hit with her first-inning single.
 
Conley took the loss, throwing the complete game. She struck out five and walked just one, permitting six hits to the Drovers.