Softball | 2/18/2022 10:20:00 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

CHICKASHA, Okla. - The Panhandle State softball team returns to action for another tournament after doing three and two in last weekend's NAIA Winter Invitational. The Aggies are looking to take the field against the Sterling College Knights, York College Panthers, and the McPherson Bulldogs. 

The Aggies (9-2) started off the tournament on a high note against the Sterling Knights (1-5). A game capped off by a five-run sixth that gave the Aggies the lead that they would not relinquish. Out hitting the Knights thirteen to twelve in the contest while leaving five runners on base in the game. Despite the Aggie bats getting a slow start in the game the Aggies were not strangers to playing from behind and would explode for seven runs in the last three innings.

The Aggie hitters were exciting to watch with runners on base and they did not disappoint against the Knights. As four Aggies would see a multi-RBI game, each of which had two RBIs. Haley Saur, Yaya Jones, Kayli Grove, and Tatum Trester all lead the team with two RBIs in the game. Another aspect of the game the Aggies have excelled at early in the season is simply getting on base. Something the whole lineup would do against the Knights.

The Aggie bats stayed awake in their late game against the York College Panthers. Waiting no time in game two in getting to work. Getting to an early lead thanks to Brielee Daniell and Kinzie Jones. The Aggies would shut out the Cougars off a walk-off. Out hitting the Panthers eleven to four in the game.

Game 1

Kenley Yocom would make her sixth start against the Knights. Although she would not factor into the decision for the Aggies she would go for four and a third innings. Making way for Rylin Baker after surrendering four earned runs on nine hits. 

Baker (3-0) would once again be the first out of the pen for the Aggies as she would finish the last three frames. While not typically a strikeout pitcher Baker was effective in generating outs against a strong Knight offense. Only allowing three hits and a single run in her two and two-thirds innings of work. 

It would take a while for the Aggie bats to wake up in the game. The Aggies did not record their first hit until the fourth inning off the bat of Saur. A hit that would wake up the bats as Kinzie Jones would follow with a single of her own. Grove would get the first runs on the board for the Aggies with a bases-clearing triple. The Aggies would not look back as they would score at least one run in the next four innings of play.

Despite the strong offense of the Knights the Aggie pitching and defense were able to keep them in check until the bats woke up. By making crucial double-plays and run-saving stops the Aggies would neutralize all the Knights had to offer at the plate. Forcing them to leave nine runners on base in the game. 

The Aggies would find themselves down one in the top of the sixth inning. Senior Grove would shift the momentum in the game with a leadoff single and later score to tie the game up at five. Being followed by six consecutive baserunners. Allowing the Aggies to take a nine to six lead into the top of the 7th. Looking to score some insurance Yaya Jones would record an RBI single in the top half of the innings. Baker would make her way to the mound for the last half-inning striking out the leadoff hitter followed by consecutive ground outs to give the Aggies their first win of the night. 

Game 2 

Sarah Conley (2-1) would earn her fifth start and second win of the season against the Panthers. Coming in after a solid outing against the Tabor College Bluejays where she would throw five innings. Allowing four runs with four strikeouts. Conley returned to form on the mound for the Aggies by striking out ten on the night. Shutting out the Panthers while giving up only four hits. 

The Aggies were the first to put a run on the board against the Panthers. Danielle would score off a Panther error in the bottom of the first inning. Not stopping there, Kinzie Jones would lead off the third inning for the Aggies with a single. Only to be followed by the Aggies' leading hitter Kayli Grove who would belt her 2nd home run of the year to give the Aggies three to zero lead. Yaya Jones wanted in on the action as she would clear the bases with a triple of her own to extend the Aggies lead. 

Conley pitched her way out of multiple base runners numerous times against the Panthers. Generating momentum not only for her next time out on the mound but for her hitters to back her up on offense. Exactly how the Aggies have played throughout the season so far. 

Conley would see two consecutive innings of seeing only three Panther hitters. In that same span, the Aggie hitters notched six baserunners and four runs. A lead that would allow Conley to complete her second complete game of the season. Capped by a two-RBI triple from Caitley Adams. 

The Aggies extend their win streak to five games as they head into the second day of the tournament. Scheduled to play the McPherson College Bulldogs at 10 AM.