FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mar. 5, 2009

Lions fall 4-0 in opener of 2009 Teri Mathis Zenner Memorial

Box Score

Joplin, Mo. - The Oklahoma City University softball team scored two runs in the third and another two in the seventh to defeat Missouri Southern, 4-0 tonight in the opening game of the 2009 Teri Mathis Zenner Memorial Tournament at Gene Wild Field in Joplin.

Southern (3-10) started strong, as starting pitcher Tara Kuykendall struck out three of the first six batters she faced and the Lions ended the second inning with a huge out at the plate as centerfielder Breanna Volkmann threw out OCU's (9-0) Ashley Wilburn for the inning's final out.

The Stars got on the board first with a home run to left field by Erin Slettvet. Southern would threaten in the third as Volkmann got on with a one-out bunt single, but would be out on a fielder's choice.

The Lions threatened again in the sixth when Kelli Bax singled down the right field line to start the inning. She moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Volkmann and again to third after Andrea Childs laid down another sac bunt. Whitney Clute walked putting runners at the corners, but the Lions would strand both.

Volkman and Bax had the Lions lone hits in the game. Kuykendall started and went three innings striking out three and walking just one, while allowing just two earned runs. Clute pitched the final four innings in relief, allowing just one earned run.

The Lions will continue the tournament tomorrow (Mar. 6) with a 1 pm game against Cameron. They will also play at 7 pm against Missouri S&T.