March 22, 2017-Emporia State nearly spoiled #16 Central Oklahoma's dedication of their new softball stadium before falling 4-3 in the opener of the double header between the two in Edmond, then lost 9-0 in the night cap.
GAME ONE
Jacie Stephens led off the second inning of the matinee with a single and went to third on a double by Hailey Cope.  Two outs later Katie Rae Nordman gave the Hornets a 2-0 lead with a two out single.  Eryn Stockman extended her scoreless streak to 16.2 innings before Lexi Watson laid down a squeeze bunt that scored Brooke Zuckerman. Â
The Hornets held on to a 2-1 lead until the sixth inning. Mo Selman led off with a walk and went to third on a throwing error by Stockman on a bunt attempt.  Stockman was able to get two ground balls resulting in a fielder's choice and infield hit to keep Selman at third before JoBil Heath delivered a two run single to give UCO a 3-2 lead.  The Bronchos got an insurance run on Tori Collet's sac fly.
The extra run proved to be the difference as Danielle Sprinkle led off the top fo the seventh with a home run to pull the Hornets within 4-3, but they could not complete the comeback.
Nordman went one for three with two RBI while Sprinkle was one for two with solo home run and a walk. Â Stockman allowed four runs, two of them earned, as she scattered ten hits over 6.0 innings with two strike outs and four walks.
GAME TWO
The Bronchos wasted no time getting started in the second game as the first eight batters reached base and UCO sent 12 players to the plate in an eight run first inning.  Ashleigh Tramel had the big hit in the inning with a base loaded double that scored three runs and gave Central Oklahoma a 6-0 lead with no one out seen batters into the game.  Stockman relieved starter Holly Hinkel and was able to hold the Bronchos to just two runs the rest of the game.
The Hornets hit into two double plays in the first two innings that stymied the offense early. Â Emporia State loaded the bases in the fifth but could not score as the game ended after five innings.
Caitlin VanVleck reached base three times on a single, a fielder's choice and a walk while Annelise Rockley had a double for the other Hornet hit. Hinkel started for Emporia State and faced seven batters, giving up seven runs, before Stockman came in to pitch the final 4.0 innings and allow two runs on five hits.
The Hornets are scheduled to be back in action on Friday against Lindenwood at the Trusler Sports Complex.  First pitch on Turnbull Field is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
