Oklahoma State Advances to Regional Final

Kat Espinosa was once again dominant for the Cowgirls, lifting them to the regional final.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:25 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma State Advances to Regional Final

Originally Published: May 21, 2011 5:15 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee -- The Oklahoma State Cowgirls continued their run for a national championship Saturday, advancing to the championship game of the regional round with a 6-1 win over the Tennessee Lady Volunteers.

Kat Espinosa (22-7) kept the Lady Vols in check for the majority of the game, giving up seven hits and only one run – which was unearned – while striking out six hits in her six innings of service. Her one run of the game came in the bottom of the fifth.

With the Sooners leading 3-0 and runners on first and second, Kat Dotson hit a double down the right field line to bring Tory Lewis home, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Oklahoma expanded its lead in the next half-inning to put the game out of reach. Back-to-back walks put runners on first and second for Alysia Hamilton, who singled to center field to bring Kelsey Anchors home and push the lead to three-runs.

Two at-bats later, Chelsea Garcia singled to left center to bring Hamilton and Ari Morrison home to take a 6-1 lead.

Ellen Renfroe (26-6) allowed eight hits and six earned runs, while striking out six in her six innings of service for the Lady Volunteers.

The Cowgirls now advance to the potentially final game of the Knoxville Regional and await whichever team comes out of the losers’ bracket.