The Basics

Game 1: Evangel 1, #1 Oklahoma City 8

Game 2: Evangel 8, Central Baptist 4

Records: Evangel (3-5); Oklahoma City (15-0); Central Baptist (6-8)

Location: Fayetteville, Ark.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Evangel University softball team split a pair of games Saturday to finish 2-2 at the Crusader Classic falling 8-1 to No. 1 Oklahoma City before an 8-4 victory over Central Baptist.

In game one the Crusaders jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a RBI by Cassidy Gillihan. However, last year's national champion and the No. 1 ranked team in NAIA, held the Crusaders scoreless over the final six innings while allowing just four hits.

Caitlin Buckalew finished with two of Evangel's four hits while also leaving five on base.

Kyra Parker was given the loss after going seven innings and being charged with five of the Stars' eight runs. Parker struck out five and walked none in the loss.

The nightcap saw Evangel jump out to an early lead and hold off the Mustangs. The Crusaders took an early 3-2 lead, but CBC answered with runs in the bottom of the third and bottom of the fourth to pull ahead4-3.

However, The Crusaders hit back-to-back home runs in the fifth to regain the lead after Kiara Carrier and Megan Washam each belted solo homers. Evangel would add three more runs in the sixth as Kyra Parker shut down the Mustangs with a perfect 2.1 innings.

Michaela Tolliver scattered six hits over 4.2 innings as she earned her first win of the season.

Allison Davis helped pace the Evangel offense going 4-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Michelle Sheppard and Carrier also tallied three hits each in the win as Carrier added three RBI.

UP NEXT
Evangel returns to Springfield next weekend hosting Oklahoma Wesleyan on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelAthletics or go to www.EvangelAthletics.com.

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