Softball Splits with NSU

February 24, 2009

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Southwestern Oklahoma State University began Lone Star Conference North Division play by earning a split with Northeastern State University winning the first game of a softball doubleheader 14-6 before falling 8-5 in the nightcap. The two teams will resume their series Saturday in Weatherford with a doubleheader at 12 p.m.

SWOSU's Stacey Creger was the offensive star in the first game going four-for-four with two home runs, including a grand slam in the third inning. Creger finished the game with six RBI's, the highest total by a SWOSU player since Ida Hoffman had seven against Bartlesville Wesleyan in 2001.

SWOSU finished the opener with 15 hits and took advantage of four NSU fielding errors. A total of 11 of SWOSU's 15 runs were scored as unearned. Other Bulldogs with multiple hits were Brittany Strickland, Raven Staats, and Kristyn Shawver as each finished with two hits apiece.

Alex Zukerman picked up the win by pitching five innings and allowing just six runs, four of which were earned. The Lawton senior struck out two and walked none while improving her record to 2-3 on the year.

In the second game, SWOSU let an early 2-0 lead evaporate by the second inning when the RiverHawks scored one in the first and five in the second. NSU's lead grew to 7-2 before SWOSU scored the games final three runs in the latter innings.

Creger's bat stayed hot with three hits, including a pair of RBI doubles in the first and the fifth. She was joined in the high offensive production category by teammate Laiken Lester who finished with three hits, including a solo home run in the seventh.