(May 11, 2024) Ardmore, Oklahoma - Coming off a tough loss on Friday evening, the Bucks were now fighting for their life in the Southwest Plains District Tournament. The ladies took on SAU Tech in their first elimination game. Earlier this season, the Bucks took all four games against the Rockets.

The ladies found themselves in an early 2-0 hole after half an inning of play, but the Bucks scratched their way back in the early innings. In the bottom of the first inning, the bases were loaded for Madie Rohre (Whitewright, TX). She would line out to left centerfield to plate the first run on a sac fly to make it 2-1 after an inning.

Holding off the Rockets in the top of the second, Laney Linseisen (Longview, TX) reached on an error that allowed Bri Crowley (Springdale, AR) to score from first base to tie the game at 2-2.

With the game tied, Olivia Nickson (Bentonville, AR) settled in the circle and continued to work scoreless innings. The Bucks got her the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. After a Crowley lead off single, Madison Heller (Hughes Springs, TX) delivered on a 2-out single to centerfield that gave the Bucks the 3-2 lead.

The game went scoreless through a pair of innings. The Rockets threatened with a base runner in the top of the seventh inning, but Kyson Vap (Newkirk, OK) made her second diving catch of the day to make the second out of the inning. Nickson then got a ground out to seal the win, 3-2 in favor of the Bucks.

Olivia Nickson (7-4) pitched a complete game, 7.0 innings. She gave up 2 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 9 in the outing. 

The ladies will play the winner of the 1:30 pm game between Western Oklahoma State and Carl Albert State College at 6:30 pm this evening at Regional Park.

#DefendTheMountain