Softball team begins 2017 season

By Michael Stewart, Assistant Sports Editor

The Lady Bison have hit the ground running since the start of the season in February.

After their first 12 games of the season, OBU softball currently sits at .500 with a record of 6-6 overall and 1-5 in the Great American Conference.

The Lady Bison have dropped a few tight contests in the GAC, ultimately resulting in their negative record; however, they have shown great strength and unity as a team.

“I think our biggest strength is the bond we share as a team,” senior Madison Vaughan said. “We all play for each other.”

In the week that ended February and welcomed March, the Lady Bison hosted a pair of double-headers and were able to obtain a 2-2 record over the four games.

First, Tuesday, February 28th, the Bison swept the two-game, non-conference series against the Aggies of Oklahoma Panhandle State University with a 5-4 win in the first matchup and a 10-6 win in the second.

The first matchup highlighted the Lady Bisons’ consistency swinging the bat, as they were able to post a single run in five of the seven inning contest.

After winning the first leg, the Lady Bison knew what to expect for the second leg and what adjustments to make.

“We knew we needed to make adjustments at the plate,” Vaughan said. “Thankfully, we were able to do so.”

The second game of the back-to-back versus the Aggies showcased the Lady Bisons’ desire to win.

After trailing 4-6 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning, the Lady Bison rallied to score six runs in the next two innings to steal the victory and secure the sweep of their opponent.

“We wanted to win both games in the series,” junior Bailee Saye said.

“Even though we were down in the second game, we came back and won.” 

Later in the week, Friday, March 3rd, the Bison welcomed GAC opponent and nationally ranked Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University.

Ultimately, the Lady Bison struggled to keep the opponent off the bases, resulting in two losses at the hands of the Muleriders.

The first contest ended with a 2-7 score line, and the second matchup ended 1-13.

“We knew it was going to be a battle,” freshman Kursten Bergene said.

“We had hits in the infield that caused the defense to make errors, which allowed us to score a few. Although it wasn’t enough to stay in the game, it was big for us to see that they weren’t invincible.”

So far this season, the Lady Bison have seen times to celebrate and opportunities to grow.

“The team has learned the importance of never giving up,” Bergene said.

“Even if you are going into the seventh inning down a few runs.”

With these two series now in the rearview mirror, the Lady Bison move forward with their season in hope to improve their ranking in the GAC standings and earn a bid to the post-season tournament.