(April 19, 2022) Mena, Arkansas – Coming off a doubleheader win at Eastern Oklahoma State College on Friday, the Bucks used Easter weekend to refresh and get ready for the last few weeks of the season, looking at the Region II Tournament in May. The Bucks began a three-date home stand this afternoon with NOC-Tonkawa.

GAME ONE

Getting the start in the circle was Caitlyn Mayo (Bigelow, AR). She would surrender a run in the top of the first and second innings to trail 2-0 midway through the second, but the Bucks offense picked her up in the bottom of the second with a 4-run inning. Back-to-back-to-back singles loaded the bases for Kaylin McKee (Wickes, AR). The freshmen would hit a line drive up the middle to plate the first run. Next at-bat, Jah'Kaiya Woods (Little Rock, AR) would do the same thing, except two Bucks scored to make it 3-2. After an out, McKee would score on a passed ball in the next at-bat to make it 4-2.

After a scoreless third inning, the Mavericks plated 2 runs in the top of the fourth inning to tie the game at 4-4. Mayo settled in and put-up zeros on the board for the remainder of the game to give the Bucks a chance in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Bucks had got a runner on with 2 outs after a fielder's choice and pinch ran Tabry Jordan (Little Rock, AR). She would steal second and advance to third on an overthrow. Next pitch, Presleigh Payne (Grapevine, TX) hit a RBI single to right centerfield to plate the winning run. Bucks win 5-4.

Caitlyn Mayo (9-8) pitched a complete game, 7.0 innings, to pick up her nineth win of the season. She would give up 4 runs (1 earned) on 9 hits. Mayo struck out a season high 6 hitters, while only walking 2 in the contest.

GAME TWO

Blaire Gentry (Lockesburg, AR) got the start in the circle. She would throw a scoreless top half of the first to bring the Bucks to the plate in the bottom half. Back-to-back singles led off the inning to put runners on the corners for Kristen McMillan (Winnsboro, TX). She would hit a sacrifice fly, and the Bucks took a 1-0 lead after an inning.

After a scoreless second inning, the Mavericks took the lead in the top of the third inning on a 3-run home run. The Bucks would get one of the runs back in the bottom half on a solo homer by Jah'Kaiya Woods that landed in the visitor's bullpen behind the left field fence that made it 3-2 after three.

Another scoreless inning went by before NOC added to their lead with a solo homer in the top of the fifth to make it 4-2. After a scoreless sixth inning and top of the seventh inning, the Bucks had a chance to either win or extend the game, but the Bucks would strand a runner and fall 4-2.

Blaire Gentry (9-8) pitched a complete game, 7.0 innings, in the loss. She would give up 4 runs (3 earned), while striking out 4 and walking 1.

The Bucks are back at home two more times this week on Thursday and Saturday. Thursday's doubleheader with Rose State has been bumped up to 12 and 2 pm.

#GOBUCKS