UCO Clobbers Augustana

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (March 4) – Terin Ritz belted a three-run home run and Jordyn Pipkin threw a complete-game two-hitter as Central Oklahoma thumped perennial power Augustana 8-1 to close out first-day play in the Drury Classic Saturday evening.

It was the sixth straight win for the No. 9-ranked Bronchos (12-3), who opened the day with an identical 8-1 victory over Minnesota-Crookston. UCO wraps up the two-day event Sunday with games against Nebraska-Kearney (11:30 a.m.) and the host Panthers (1:30 p.m.).

"We played really well today," head coach Cody White said. "The girls came out focused and ready to go. Our pitching was great and we were aggressive at the plate. Now we need to make sure we follow it up with the same type of effort tomorrow."

Pipkin was masterful in the circle. The sophomore right-hander gave up two hits and walked four while striking out five and retired 11 batters in a row during one stretch in improving to 4-1 on the season.

The lone Augie run came on a solo homer in the top of the first, with the Bronchos pulling even in the second on Jacee Minter's lead-off solo shot.

UCO took control in the third, erupting for six runs on five hits.

Mikayla Rutland, Rylee Lemos and Emily Deramus had consecutive one-out doubles to account for the first two runs. Amelya Huggins followed with a single, Minter's sacrifice fly scored a run and Shayla Harper walked.

That set the stage for Ritz, who blasted a three-run homer to push the advantage at 7-1 and end any suspense that was left in the game.

Rutland led off the fourth with her first homer of the season to make it 8-1 and Pipkin cruised in from there to close out the win.

The Bronchos finished with eight hits, getting two each from Huggins and Rutland.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Shayla Harper: IF; 5' 7"; Senior; R/R

#25 Amelya Huggins: C/IF; 5' 5"; Senior; R/R

#12 Jacee Minter: OF; 5' 6"; Junior; R/R

#99 Terin Ritz: P/1B; 5' 8"; Sophomore; R/R

#3 Mikayla Rutland: IF; 5' 7"; Senior; R/R

#5 Emily Deramus: IF; 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R

#8 Rylee Lemos: OF; 5' 6"; Freshman; L/R

#15 Jordyn Pipkin: P; 5' 6"; Sophomore; R/R

Players Mentioned

#11 Shayla Harper
: 5' 7"; Senior; R/R
: IF

#25 Amelya Huggins
: 5' 5"; Senior; R/R
: C/IF

#12 Jacee Minter
: 5' 6"; Junior; R/R
: OF

#99 Terin Ritz
: 5' 8"; Sophomore; R/R
: P/1B

#3 Mikayla Rutland
: 5' 7"; Senior; R/R
: IF

#5 Emily Deramus
: 5' 8"; Freshman; R/R
: IF

#8 Rylee Lemos
: 5' 6"; Freshman; L/R
: OF

#15 Jordyn Pipkin
: 5' 6"; Sophomore; R/R
: P