MANKATO, Minn. -- The University of Central Oklahoma softball team jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and rolled to a 9-0 victory over Pittsburg State University in opening-round action of the 2017 NCAA Division II Central Regional Thursday (May 11).
The Gorillas (42-18) will now face Augustana (S.D.) in an elimination game at 1:30 p.m. (CDT) Friday. Augie dropped an 8-4 decision to Minnesota State in opening round action Thursday.
UCO (48-9) pounded out 11 hits in the run-rule shortened game, striking for three runs in the first and five more runs in the second inning against PSU starter Emmie Robertson (29-9).
PSU loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the first inning against the Lady Bronchos' Jayden Chestnut (23-3) but she fanned the next three batters to escape the jam.