ECU softball team splits pair at Midwestern State
Feb. 9—WICHITA FALLS, Texas — The East Central University softball team traveled to Wichita Falls, Texas for a midweek non-conference doubleheader against Midwestern State University Texas on Tuesday afternoon.
In an eventful first game, a three-run rally in the seventh inning propelled the Tigers to a 4-2 victory. However, they fell short in their second game of the day as the Mustangs secured a 5-3 win.
East Central starts off the spring at 2-3, while Midwestern State dropped to 1-4
Game 1
ECU 4, Midwestern State 2
After the Mustangs claimed an early lead with one run in the bottom of the first inning, the Tigers swiftly responded.
Emily Bingham kickstarted the offense with a leadoff single in the top of the second. McKinley Feazle — a former Byng High School standout — then doubled to left center to drive in Bingham, knotting the score 1-1.
Despite Midwestern State adding another run in the subsequent inning, the game remained deadlocked until the seventh.
Elyse LeClair's two-RBI single sent Zoe Acosta and Brooklyn Flemming across home plate to take over the lead at 3-2. Megan Lesko then singled through the left side, allowing Feazle to score and double ECU's lead.
After the Mustangs went three up and three down, the Tigers secured the Game 1 victory.
Taylor Spence pitched a solid game, working all seven innings and allowing two runs on four hits to pick up her first win in the circle this season.
LeClair and Feazle led the Tiger offense with two hits each while Lesko and Bingham added one hit.
Game 2
Midwestern State 5, ECU 3
In the nightcap, Midwestern State took an early lead again scoring in the first inning.
After both teams went three and out in the second, ECU evened the score in the third after Josi Goodman capitalized on a Mustang error that allowed her to get into scoring position.
Two scoreless innings went by until Midwestern State broke the tie in the bottom of the sixth, scoring four runs on five hits to take a commanding 5-1 lead.
Megan Lesko drilled a two-out, two-run homer with two outs in the top of the seventh inning before the comeback fell short.
Taryn O'Brien got the start and allowed two runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings, taking the loss for the Tigers. Lauren HerrNeckar closed the game, allowing three runs on four hits in 2/3 innings pitched.
Elyse LeClair had two of five ECU hits in the contest.
The ECU softball team will compete in the 2024 Alvy Early Memorial Classic beginning today in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Tigers will meet Emporia State at 11 a.m. and Southwest Baptist at 1:30 p.m.
On Saturday, East Central is set to play William Jewel College at 11 a.m. and Missouri S&T at 1:30 p.m.
Note: Ada News sports editor Jeff Cali contributed to this report.
