Sports editor Jaralynn Tammi Morellano discusses Tulsa softball’s massive losses against Wichita.
The University of Tulsa’s softball team fell twice in the doubleheader against Wichita State at the Collins Family Softball Complex on Thursday, April 17. The Golden Hurricane stood no chance against the Shockers in the first match, the team losing 0-10 in five innings. Tulsa managed to snatch some points in the second match, but it eventually fell 7-11 to take its second loss of the day. These losses extended their losing streak to 10 games and pushed its record down even further (18-26 overall and 6-14 in conference play). Wichita State improved to 23-20-1 overall and 11-8-1 in conference.
In the first game, Wichita State’s pitcher, Ryley Nihart, dominated Tulsa and made it a struggle for the Golden Hurricane to generate any offensive momentum for the entire game. The freshman Shocker allowed only four hits and one walk while striking out four. As for Tulsa, Maura Moore (12-13) started and allowed six runs in 3.1 innings. She was relieved by Alexa Hopkins and Abby Hayes, but the relief team was unable to stop the Shocker’s offensive momentum.
Wichita not only scored often, but it scored pretty early on into the match. The Shockers were able to put two runs on the board within the first inning. Following this, it scored four runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. Ellee Eck was a key player in supplying runs for the Shockers, the graduate student driving in five runs. In addition to her, Krystin Nelson contributed three RBIs. Despite doubles from Maci Cole and Norah Knight, Tulsa failed to score and committed two errors in the 10-0 loss.
The Golden Hurricane was able to make it onto the scoreboard, a night and day difference between its performance in the first game just hours before. Unfortunately, its defense was unable to match its offensive prowess, leading to another loss.
Tulsa gained an early lead, scoring five runs by the third inning. Thanks to freshman Amber Turner’s triple and home run, the Shockers were able to garner a total of three runs by this point in the match. Annika Dill of the Golden Hurricane made some strong hits with a double in this game. Meanwhile, Brinly Maples pitched 5.1 innings, allowing eight runs on five hits while walking six. Only two of these runs were earned. Hayes came in for relief, however, she gave up three additional turns in 1.2 innings.
Golden Hurricane fans witnessed the team finally break out of its losing streak as it triumphed against the Shockers in the final game of this stint. Tulsa overcame Wichita State 5-2 over seven innings. Both teams came roaring out the gates, the Golden Hurricane completing three runs in the first inning while the Shockers completed two. Both teams would experience a dry spell, and defense on both sides were keeping one another’s offense at bay. Just as the end of the game reared, Tulsa would complete runs in both the fifth and sixth inning to secure its victory.
This final match improved the Golden Hurricane’s record to 19-26 overall and 7-14 in the American Athletic Conference. Despite the greater number of losses, the Golden Hurricane had much to celebrate. Maci Cole extended her hitting streak to 17 games and walked for the 31st time this season. Turner continues her strong freshman campaign and Dill continues to be consistent in her middle lineup on the batter list.
Tulsa takes this win and hopes to start a winning streak when it goes on the road to Springfield, Missouri. The Golden Hurricane will be facing Missouri State in its next game scheduled for 5pm on Tuesday, April 22. Tulsa will continue on the road following this match, where it will face UTSA on Friday, April 25.
