Cowgirls stunned by UCF’s early three-run homer in 4-1 Big 12 opener loss - can OSU bounce back in today’s 2pm second of the series match?
STILLWATER, Okla. —
In a tightly contested Big 12 conference opener under the lights at Cowgirl Stadium, the No. 19 Oklahoma State softball team fell to the No. 24 UCF Knights by a score of 4-1 on Friday night.
The loss dropped OSU to 16-6 overall, while UCF improved to 21-4, show that they too have had early season success.
The Cowgirls now turn their attention to game two of the three-game series, set for today at 2:00 p.m. CT, where they’ll aim to even the weekend matchup and regain momentum in front of their home crowd.
The game started with a bang for the Knights, as UCF’s Izzy Mertes crushed a three-run home run in the top of the first inning off OSU starter RyLee Crandall.
That early blast, Mertes’ seventh of the season, plated Ayala Durant and Coco Jaimes, giving the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead right out of the gate. It proved to be the decisive blow, as the Cowgirls struggled to generate offense against UCF’s ace, Isabella Vega, who delivered a masterful complete-game performance to earn her sixth win of the year (6-2 record).
Crandall, who had been unbeaten entering the contest, took the loss for OSU, falling to 6-1 after surrendering those three runs in just 2.2 innings.
However, the Cowgirls’ bullpen provided a spark, with Ruby Meylan stepping in for 4.1 innings of relief. Meylan allowed only one run, a solo homer in the sevent, while navigating several high pressure situations. The OSU defense backed her up admirably, stranding 12 UCF runners throughout the game, including leaving the bases loaded in three separate innings.
Defensively, the Cowgirls was good in a handful of moments. Center fielder Jayelle Austin made a highlight-reel diving catch in the fourth inning with two outs and a runner on third, preventing what could have been an insurance run for UCF.
In the fifth, second baseman Jayden Jones ranged to her right on a sharp grounder, keeping the ball in the infield and forcing UCF’s Ashleigh Griffin to hold at third. Meylan then induced a fielder’s choice groundout from Aubrey Evans to escape the jam unscathed.
Offensively, OSU managed just two hits, a double from Amanda Hasler and another from Claire Timm, but made the most of their opportunities in the sixth. Macy Graf reached base and advanced, eventually scoring the Cowgirls’ lone run on a sacrifice fly by Audrey Schneidmiller.
Despite the threat, OSU left runners in scoring position in four innings, highlighting their inability to capitalize against Vega’s pinpoint control. Austin also contributed with a stolen base and was hit by a pitch, adding some speed to the lineup.
For UCF, the offense was potent with 13 hits, including a double from Evans, a triple from Samantha Rey, and those three RBIs from Mertes. Rey added an RBI of her own, while runs were scored by Durant, Jaimes, Kalista Birkenstock, and Mertes.
The Knights committed two errors but overcame them with strong pitching and timely hitting. Vega’s complete game was a clinic, limiting OSU to those two hits and no errors on the Cowgirls’ side.
OSU’s pitching staff and fielders kept the game within reach, but the early deficit proved insurmountable.
Looking ahead, today’s 2:00 p.m. matchup offers the Cowgirls a quick chance for redemption. With the series on the line, expect OSU to lean on their resilient bullpen and look for more consistent hitting to challenge UCF’s momentum.
Fans can catch the action live, follow updates on okstate.com or watch the game on ESPN+.
The Cowgirls will need to shake off Friday’s setback and bring their A-game to avoid dropping the first two at home.