Preston bests Stigler
The Preston Lady Pirates continued to impress on the softball diamond with a commanding 4-0 shutout victory over Stigler in a scrimmage held Monday, July 28, at Carl Albert State College.
Preston wasted no time putting pressure on their opponent, jumping to a lead in the second inning. A costly error by Stigler allowed two runs to score, followed by a hard-hit triple from Ashleigh Hurt that drove in another run, giving the Lady Pirates a 3-0 cushion early on.
Hurt not only delivered at the plate, but also contributed on the mound. She came in as a reliever and tossed a scoreless inning, allowing no hits, striking out one batter, and walking two.
Starting pitcher Taylan Starr was sharp from the circle, earning the win with a dominant performance. Starr threw three and two-thirds innings of no-hit softball, striking out six and issuing only one walk. Between Starr and Hurt, the duo combined for a no-hitter while keeping Stigler’s offense silent.
At the plate, Hurt led the offensive charge from the leadoff spot, going 2-for-3 and driving in a run. Ailynn LeBlanc also contributed with an RBI, helping extend the Lady Pirates’ lead.
The Preston defense was just as solid as the pitching, playing a clean game without a single error. Brooklyn Gertner anchored the defense, recording a team-high seven fielding chances.
— Lady Pirates dominate McAlester
The Preston Lady Pirates delivered a commanding performance on Monday, as they shut out McAlester 10-0 in a fast-paced game held at Carl Albert State College. Backed by sharp pitching, aggressive base running, and patient plate discipline, the Lady Pirates cruised to victory in a game that showcased their depth and composure.
The Lady Pirates wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. A series of disciplined at-bats and productive outs resulted in a four-run frame. Kynlee Martin and Sophia Bunner both drew walks that scored runs, while Aiyana Beaver grounded out to bring in another. Tyleigh Edwards added to the tally with a single that brought home yet another run, putting Preston up 4-0 before McAlester could settle into the game.
Preston tacked on another run in the second inning when Martin grounded into a fielder’s choice, allowing another runner to cross the plate. The offense continued its momentum in the third, adding four more runs. Edwards and Isabella Turner both contributed RBI groundouts, while Taylan Starr delivered the big hit of the inning – a two-run triple – to make it a 9-0 ballgame.
On the mound, the Lady Pirates showcased a trio of pitchers who combined for a near-flawless performance. Ashleigh Hurt started the game, delivering one scoreless inning without allowing a hit or walk and striking out one batter. Josie Cope earned the win, striking out four and walking one in her two innings of work, while Turner closed out the game with one shutout inning, surrendering just one hit and striking out one.
Taylan Starr was a key contributor both at the plate and on the base paths. The infielder went 1-for-1 with two RBIs, leading the team in runs batted in. She also drew two walks, matching Hurt for the team lead in free passes. Bunner, Edwards, and Starr each recorded one hit for Preston, while the entire squad demonstrated excellent plate discipline, drawing a total of 10 walks over the course of the game.
In addition to their offensive and pitching dominance, the Lady Pirates turned in a solid defensive effort. The team turned one double play, stifling any chance McAlester had at generating offensive momentum. McAlester was held to just one hit – a single.
As they look ahead to their next matchups, the Preston Lady Pirates will aim to continue this momentum and build on their already impressive performances on the field.
