ADA, OKLA - Northwestern Oklahoma State opened their series with East Central Friday afternoon dropping the season opener. The Tigers went for four runs in the third inning in which they would not lose the lead the whole way going for a 4-1 victory.
The loss drops Northwestern to 6-7 overall with an 0-4 conference record as East Central improves to 5-10 on the year with a 3-1 GAC record.
Northwestern was led by Abby DeTar and Lindsey McElroy with two hits each in the game combining for four of the seven hits. DeTar had the lone RBI for Northwestern on a solo home run.
Hannah Howell received the start Friday afternoon throwing a complete game allowing four runs in six innings while striking out three in the game. This was her fourth complete game of the season.
DeTar got things started for the Rangers in the first leading the game off with a single but would be left on base. The Tigers responded with a single but Howell worked around her getting to second holding the game at 0-0.
In the second inning both teams got their leadoff hitter on base as Allison Zanca singled but both teams would leave two on base as the game remained 0-0 through the first two innings.
The Tigers got the scoring started in the third inning on back-to-back singles to start the inning before a three run home run by Lasker pushed the Tigers in front 3-0. They would have one more score in the inning on a single moving to second on a wild pitch before another single by Adair scored the fourth run. The Tigers led 4-0 through three innings.
After a quiet fourth inning the Rangers got the scoring started in the fifth for them on a solo home run to left center putting the Rangers on the board to trail 4-1 through five innings.
In the sixth inning the Rangers brought the tying run to the plate following a walk and a double but the Tigers were able to escape any damage holding the score at 4-1.
In the seventh inning following a quiet bottom of the sixth Genesis left off with a single before stealing second. She would be left on second though as the Tigers held on for the 4-1 victory Friday.
Northwestern will be back in action for a Saturday afternoon doubleheader with the first pitch scheduled for Noon followed by the second game at two as the two teams close out the three game series.
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