by CHICKASHA – Big opening innings and solid defense led to two run-rule shutouts as the Drovers (25-4, 8-0) dominated the Southwestern Assemblies of God Lady Lions (3-20, 0-10) in both games of the Wednesday afternoon doubleheader.
The No. 21 University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma exploded for a 12-0 win in five innings in game one, keeping its opponent to just one hit all game. The Drovers then turned around to win game two 8-0.
Summer Leitka (16-1) earned her seventh shutout of the season in her 13th complete game in the circle. She gave up a lone hit and struck out 10 of the 17 batters she faced in five innings.
The Drovers scored six runs in the first inning, one in the second and five in the third to seal the deal.
Second baseman Ciara Kuestersteffen went 2-for-2 in the game, scoring twice and batting two runs in.Courtney Capps went 2-for-3 while scoring once and recording three RBIs.
Shania Beck and Kaylin Taylor each went 2-for-3 at the plate as well. Taylor scored twice while Beck crossed home once and batted two runs in.
Tate Landmark, designated hitter, ended the game with two runs and two RBIs, and shortstop Dani Warren scored twice as well.
McKenna Eubank and Kayla Adams each notched an RBI and a run in the game.
The Drovers scored all eight of their second-game runs in the first inning to quickly give themselves a strong lead.
Adams hit a three-run homer — her third home run of the season — in the second half of the doubleheader. She has 19 in her career and is just one bomb away from tying a school record set in 2009.
Beck and Taylor mirrored each other’s performance, scoring once and recording two RBIs each.
Capps went 1-for-2 with a run and an RBI in the game while Warren, Landmark, Kuestersteffen and Eubank each returned home once.
Beck and Jaci Booker (3-2) split time in the circle, throwing a combined three strikeouts and giving up just three hits as a pair. Together, they faced just 18 batters.
Now on a 12-game winning streak, the Drovers return for another home doubleheader on Friday afternoon. USAO will take on Texas Wesleyan with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m
