Eastern Illinois University announced on May 15 that its softball team was defeated by No. 13 ranked Oklahoma State, 16-0, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament held in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
The loss places Eastern Illinois in an elimination game against Princeton on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The outcome is significant for the Panthers as it determines their continued participation in the tournament.
According to the university, Lizzie Stiverson recorded a single in the third inning, Mo Hance hit a double to left field in the fourth, and Viola Smith added a hit in the fifth. Karli Godwin of Oklahoma State homered during a five-run first inning for her team. Tia Warsop drew a bases loaded walk before three unearned runs were scored by Oklahoma State later that inning.
RyLee Crandall (7-6) earned the win for Oklahoma State after pitching three innings of relief. The Cowgirls improved their record to 39-15 and are set to face Stanford next. Karlie McKenzie (13-10) took the loss for Eastern Illinois, whose season record now stands at 36-22.
Godwin, Rosie Davis and Amanda Hasler each collected three hits for Oklahoma State during Friday’s game.
