Oklahoma State Softball Beats Northern Iowa

Originally Published: Mar 17, 2010 10:4 PM CDT

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma State softball team completed a two-game sweep of Northern Iowa with a 7-5 victory Wednesday over the Panthers. The No. 20 Cowgirls improved to 22-6 on the season.

The Panthers (11-11) struck first when Livi Abney drove in Megan Machovec in the first inning. Courtney Dunker’s solo home run put UNI on top 2-0 in the fourth.

The Cowgirls responded with a six-run fourth inning.

Chelsea Garcia hit a two-run homer to tie the game at two. Katelyn Bright’s double brought in Kelsey Anchors. Mariah Gearhart scored on a fielder’s choice and Bright scored on a hit by Julie Ward. Alysia Hamilton scored on a sacrifice fly by Tamara Brown to cap the six-run inning.

Eranne Daugharthy sparked a rally by Northern Iowa with her three-run homer to bring the Panthers within one. However, they were not able to fully close the gap.

Kat Espinosa threw 4.2 innings, giving up five runs and striking out nine. She earned the win and improved to 7-2.

Oklahoma State heads to Florida to play in the USF-The Game Tournament in Tampa. The Cowgirls will face Dartmouth and Maryland Friday morning.