(February 15, 2023) Miami, Oklahoma - Coming off a pair of wins in Conway on Monday against Central Baptist's JV, the Bucks continued their 3-date road stand on the campus of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M this afternoon. The Bucks and Lady Norse were Region 2 opponents for the last two year, but the Bucks will now compete in NJCAA DII this season. Last season, the Bucks won a game in the 4-game season series with NEO.

Game One

Looking to keep the offensive production going from Monday, the Bucks put up an early run in the top of the first inning against the Lady Norse. JJ Bass (Joaquin, TX) led off with a walk and stole second base before advancing to third. The freshmen scored on a Abi West (Ida, AR) groundout to the right side to give the Bucks the early 1-0 lead. Unfortunately, this would be the Bucks only run of the game, stranding 9 runners on base. The ladies recorded 5 hits in the contest, but never the hit to spark a rally that starting pitcher Maddie Muller (Little Elm, TX) needed in the cirlce. 

Muller (1-2) would give up a 2-run home run in the bottom of the second inning, and a pinch hit solo home run in the bottom of the sixth to lose 3-1. Even in the loss, she limited the Lady Norse to 3 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 10 hitters and only walking one. 

Game Two

Looking to get back on track, the Bucks found themself down 2-0 after the first inning, but they came crawling back with a run in the both the second and third innings to tie the game midway through the third. The Bucks runs came on a Chloe Durnal (North Little Rock, AR) RBI single to right field in the second and a Abi West RBI double to centerfield in the third. However, the lead was short lived as the Lady Norse picked up a run in the bottom of the third inning, and then 4 more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 7-2 lead. After a scoreless sixth inning, the Bucks produced 3 runs on one swing of the bat from Maddi Burchett (Blanchard, OK). The freshmen went yard in her first plate appearance of the season to cut the lead to 7-5, but the rally was all for not. 

Blaire Gentry (Lockesburg, AR) got the start in Game Two. Gentry (0-2) lasted 4.0 innings, giving up 6 runs (4 earned) on 10 hits. The sophomore struck out and walked one a piece. Caitlyn Mayo (Bigelow, AR) came on in relief, going 2.0 innings. She would give up 1 unearned run on 3 hits, striking out 1. 

The ladies are back in action on Saturday to end their road stand in Paris, TX. The Lady Dragons are nationally ranked after making the National Tournament last season, which will be another good test for the Bucks to prepare for region play that begins in March.

#DefendTheMountain