(February 11, 2022) Poteau, Oklahoma – Coming off a double header sweep of SAU Tech, the Bucks played again less than 24 hours later in the CASC Classic at Carl Albert State College. The Bucks began the classic by playing Carl Albert followed by Southwest Tennessee.

GAME ONE – Carl Albert

Leading off in the top of the first, the Bucks put up a run on a sacrifice fly by Presleigh Payne (Grapevine, TX). But, the lead was short lived as starting pitcher Caitlyn Mayo (Bigelow, AR) gave up 2 runs in the bottom half. Once again in the second inning, she would get the bases loaded and give up 4 runs to increase the Carl Albert lead to 6-1 after two innings.

The Bucks got a run back in the top of the third Kayleigh Anderson (Forrest City, AR) led off with a double. Two hitters later with 1 out, Madelynn Lacaze (Gladewater, TX) traded places with her to pick up the RBI. Carl Albert answered in the bottom half with 2 runs to lead 8-2 after three innings.

Once again, the Bucks only could muster one run in the top of the fourth. Blaire Gentry (Lockesburg, AR) hit a no doubt home run over the left field fence. A scoreless bottom of the fourth and top of the fifth brought on Brooke Detommaso (Las Vegas, NV) to pitch the bottom of the fifth and gave up a 2-run homer and a solo homer that ended the game, 11-3.

Caitlyn Mayo (2-1) took the loss for the Bucks. She threw 4 innings, giving up 8 runs on 11 hits.

GAME TWO – Southwest Tennessee

Looking to shake off a rough hitting game, the Bucks wanted to start fast and did. With 1 out and two runners on, Blaire Gentry hit a RBI single to break open the scoring. Next at-bat, Chloe Ray (Fort Smith, AR) reached on an error that allowed another run to score for the Bucks, but the top half of the first would hit with the bases loaded. In the bottom half, Presleigh Payne would make her first appearance of the season in the circle and gave up a run in the bottom half. The Bucks would lead 2-1 after an inning.

After three scoreless innings for the Bucks, Southwest got 4 runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 5-2 lead. Three innings later with their backs against the wall, the Bucks showed some fight. After a walk, Natalee Dinnerville (Carthage, TX) pinch hit and made the most of her opportunity with a 2-run homer over the left field fence. Next at-bat, Western Mussett (Garvin, OK) came on and hit her third homer of the year to tie the game at 5-5. After a double, Tabry Jordan (Little Rock, AR) would hit a RBI single to left field to take the lead 6-5. Southwest went down in order to end the game. Bucks pickup the come from behind win, 6-5.

Presleigh Payne (1-0) picked up her first win of the season, throwing a complete game. She would give up 5 runs on 8 hits, while walking 2 hitters.

The Bucks will return to Carl Albert tomorrow for the conclusion of the CASC Classic. The Bucks play at noon and 2 pm.

#GOBUCKS