Goodwell, OK. – The Oklahoma Panhandle State University softball team battled through an intense second day at the General Showdown in Alexandria, Louisiana, splitting their two matchups on Saturday. The Aggies fell to Louisiana State University Alexandria in the first game but rebounded with a thrilling extra-inning victory over Texas A&M-Texarkana.
Game 1: OPSU 6, LSU Alexandria 15
The Aggies started strong against the host team, LSU Alexandria, putting up six runs on ten hits. Trinity Higgins led the charge at the plate, scoring 3-for-4 with two runs. Erin Hornback and Melissa Carroll each contributed two RBIs, while Haeley Vasquez blasted a home run to drive in two. However, defensive miscues proved costly for OPSU, as three errors allowed LSU Alexandria to capitalize with big innings in the third, fourth, and fifth.
Despite a solid offensive effort, OPSU was unable to contain the Generals' powerful bats, which racked up 14 hits, including home runs from M. Baker and J. Howell. The Aggies' pitching staff fought hard, but Rylin Baker took the loss after allowing multiple runs in the third and fourth innings.
Game 2: OPSU 6, Texas A&M-Texarkana 5 (9 Innings)
Determined to bounce back, the Aggies delivered a gritty extra-inning win against Texas A&M-Texarkana. The offense exploded for 18 hits, with Higgins putting on a masterclass, going 5-for-6 with the game-winning RBI single in the ninth inning.
The Aggies jumped out to an early lead, scoring twice in the first inning on an RBI double from Hornback and an RBI single from Carroll. After Texarkana tied the game in the fourth, OPSU regained the lead with a bases-loaded walk in the bottom half. The Aggies extended their advantage in the fifth when Mia Cavallini launched a two-run home run to left center.
However, Texas A&M-Texarkana rallied in the seventh, plating three runs to force extra innings. The Aggies' defense tightened up, and pitcher Marin Jacobs delivered in the clutch, securing her first win of the season with a strong performance in relief.
In the bottom of the ninth, Gracie Lankford led off with a single, later scoring on Higgins' timely hit up the middle to seal the victory.
With the split, OPSU showcased resilience and offensive firepower, giving them momentum to build on for the rest of their season.
Upcoming
The Aggies will travel to Kansas City, MO, from February 14 to February 15, 2025, to compete in the Avila Tournament.
