Longview, Texas - The University of the Ozarks used a late offensive surge to pull away from LeTourneau University, earning a 12-6 win in game one Saturday.
The Eagles broke open a tight game with a four-run sixth inning, turning an 8-6 lead into a comfortable margin and securing the conference victory. The Eagles struck first in the opening inning when
Isabella Hulsey drove in a run with a groundout. Hulsey delivered again in the third, blasting a two-run home run to give the Eagles an early 3-0 advantage. LeTourneau responded with a big fourth inning, scoring four runs to tie the game at 5-5. However, the Eagles quickly regained control. In the fifth, Ozarks plated three runs, highlighted by a two-RBI single from
Emma Reynolds, to take an 8-5 lead. After LeTourneau trimmed the deficit to 8-6, the Eagles delivered the decisive blow in the sixth.
Grace Price and
Brilea Rofkahr each drove in runs during the inning, while the Eagles capitalized on a LeTourneau error to extend the lead to six.
Key Performers
The Eagles totaled 12 runs on eight hits, drawing eight walks and taking advantage of three LeTourneau errors.
In game two, LeTourneau scored early and never looked back, taking a 7-3 win.
LeTourneau capitalized on an Eagles error in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead, then added two more runs in the second on a two-RBI single to extend the advantage to 5-0. The Eagles got on the board in the third inning, scoring on a double to cut the deficit to 5-1, but LeTourneau answered with two more runs in the fourth to push the lead to 7-1. The Eagles chipped away late.
Isabella Hulsey delivered an RBI single in the fifth, and the Eagles added another run in the seventh on an RBI single by
Bailee Cowell, but the rally fell short.
Key Performers
The Eagles finished with eight hits, but left six runners on base and were unable to overcome the early deficit.
The Eagles will continue their road trip with ten straight matches away from Clarksville.
