ADA, Okla. – The East Central University softball team entered the April 25-26 series with hopes of clinching a spot in the GAC Conference Tournament. The Tigers had to win all three games and rely on other teams' outcomes. However, after a heartbreaking first game loss to Arkansas-Monticello, they unfortunately just missed the mark.
Despite the setback, the Tigers ended their season positively by winning the series 2-1 and bidding farewell to their seven seniors in style at Tiger Field.
"I can't say enough about this senior class," Head Coach
Destini Anderson expressed. "It has been my honor to be a part of the path that these young ladies have walked. Watching them grow and fight to be the empowered young ladies that they are now is a true blessing. This class is so very special to me, and the impact that they have made on this program will be one that stands the test of time. They will always hold a special place in my heart and within this program."
After a tough 6-3 defeat to the blossoms in the opening game, ECU swiftly turned things around in the second match, securing a dominant 7-0 victory to split the doubleheader.
The Tigers jumped on the scoreboard first, adding one run in the first inning with
Megan Lesko's RBI groundout scoring
Gabi Quintanilla before a 2 RBI double from
Elyse LeClair in the second pushed their lead to 3-0.
Two scoreless innings went by before the Tigers exploded in the fifth inning, starting off with
Rikki Hadley's RBI single to plate Quintanilla, followed by
Caton Muncy's clutch two-run bomb to extend their advantage to 6-0.
Emily Bingham continued the rally with a single, and then came home on
Cheyenne Adair's RBI single to take a commanding 7-0 lead that they maintained until the end.
Lauren HerrNeckar, in her final game for the Tigers, pitched a shutout, marking her 16
th win and eighth complete game in her illustrious career.
In the decisive game on Friday, ECU left it all out on the field, playing seven solid innings to clinch the 3-0 win and series victory over the Blossoms.
The Tigers scored in the first inning after
Zoe Acosta's RBI groundout scored
Elyse LeClair for the early 1-0 lead.
Three scoreless innings went by before ECU added a cushion to their lead, scoring two more runs in the bottom of the fourth after
Cheyenne Adair and
Josi Goodman's RBIs drove in
Jaicee Stott and
Emily Bingham for the 3-0 lead held until the end.
Taryn O'Brien delivered a stellar performance in the circle, pitching a shutout to clinch her 16
th win, 17
th complete game, and series victory on senior day.
Seniors
Gabi Quintanilla,
Cheyenne Adair, and
Josi Goodman led the offensive charge throughout the weekend, with Quintanilla finishing with five hits, Adair contributing four, and Goodman adding three.
Following the conclusion of the series, the ECU softball team honored their seven seniors, acknowledging their significant contributions over the years.
Taryn O'Brien:
- 52 starts in the circle out of 69 appearances, 17 complete games, 288.5 innings pitched, and 132 strikeouts.
- No. 10 on ECU career top-10 record list
Rikki Hadley:
- Started in 60 out of 97 games, totaling 14 runs, 46 hits, nine doubles, three home runs, and 26 RBIs.
Cheyenne Adair:
- Started in 70 out of 128 total games, amassing 44 runs, 44 hits, three doubles, two home runs, and 15 RBIs.
Josi Goodman:
- Started in 141 out of 149 total games, totaling 44 runs, 58 hits, seven doubles, one home run, and 24 RBIs.
- No. 4 on ECU career top-10 list in hit by pitches with 32.
Lauren HerrNeckar:
- 27 starts in the circle out of 58 appearances, eight complete games, 200.4 innings pitched, and 146 strikeouts.
Gabi Quintanilla:
- Started in 143 out of 152 total games, amassing 82 runs, 150 hits, 25 doubles, seven home runs, and 55 RBIs.
- No. 9 on ECU career top-10 record list in runs
- No. 10 on ECU career top-10 record list in hits
Megan Lesko:
- Started in 202 out of 203 games played, totaling 100 runs, 188 hits, 40 doubles, two triples, 21 home runs, and 107 RBIs.
- No. 3 on ECU career top-10 record list in doubles.
- No. 4 on ECU career to-10 record list in games started, home runs, and RBIs.
- No. 5 on ECU career top-10 record list in hits and games played.
- No. 6 on ECU career top-10 record list in runs scored
- No. 8 on ECU career top-10 record list in walks drawn (49) and at bats (507).