SWOSU Drops Pair to Southeastern

April 1, 2006

Weatherford, OK - Southwestern Oklahoma State again took its opponent into extra innings but came up short losing to Southeastern Oklahoma State 5-3 in the first game of a softball doubleheader Saturday in Weatherford. Southeastern completed the sweep by winning the second game 10-2.

The losses left the Bulldogs with an 8-27 overall record and 5-11 in Lone Star Conference North Division play. SOSU improved to 30-6 and 12-2 with the wins.

In the first game, the Bulldogs took a 2-1 lead in the fourth when Laci Keplinger smashed a two-run homer off SOSU starter Christina Cearley. Keplinger’s homer, her second of the season, came with one out and teammate April Nash on first base.

The Savage Storm tied the game at 2-2 with a run in the fifth thanks in part to a pair of fielding miscues by the Bulldogs.

SWOSU pitcher Alex Zukerman again threw well on the mound. She retired 14 consecutive batters during one stretch before Southeastern finally solved her in the 10th. She ended the game allowing just eight hits and five runs, three of which were earned. She struck out seven and walked none. Her record dipped to 3-14 with the loss.

Clearly got her 17th win in 20 decisions for Southeastern. She struck out 10, walked one and allowed just six hits through 10 innings.

In the second game, SOSU broke open a tight ball game with a seven-run seventh after leading 3-2 through six innings of play.

The Bulldogs will next play Tuesday at home against Northeastern State. The doubleheader is set to begin at 2 p.m.