Softball Loses Heartbreaker In Big 12 Opener

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The No. 9 Oklahoma softball team lost a heartbreaker, 1-0, in its Big 12 opener at Texas A&M Saturday afternoon. OU ace JKami Keiter was the hard luck loser as the Aggies plated an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh for the win. OU dropped to 26-10-1 overall and 0-1 in Big 12 play, while the Aggies improved to 19-15 and 1-0 in conference.

First inning singles by Norrelle Dickson and Christina Enea helped the Sooners load the bases with one out in the first inning. The Sooners couldn't capitalize on the prime opportunity and they couldn't create any other chances through the fifth inning. A&M starter Jessica Kapchinski faced just two batters over the minimum from the second inning through the fifth.

Box Score

OU threatened again in the sixth inning as they loaded the bases with no outs. Kapchinski used a ground out and a timely double play to escape unscathed once again.

Keiter was cruising along until the third inning when an infield error, walk and single chalked the bases full of Aggies with one out. Keiter collected a strikeout and ground out to hold off A&M.

The seventh inning was very similar to the third inning as an error and base on balls led to a bases loaded situation with two outs. The final at bat of the game was characteristic of the classic battle between the Big 12 schools. Aggie leftfielder Jana James fouled off eight pitches and worked a 3-2 count before lacing a single off Keiter's right leg. The grounder ricocheted straight up in air, into the dead zone between the middle infielders. The decisive run easily scored and James, who has turned in the game winning hit in the Aggies last five wins, was the hero again.

Keiter (4-4) was the hard luck loser for the third time in the last five games. The junior All-American did her part as she allowed only three hits and struck out three batters. Keiter also lost games in the last at-bat to No. 15 Fresno State (3/18) and No. 9 Washington (3/20) in the last 10 days.

Kapchinski (5-4) finished with a pitching line of four hits, four walks, eight strikeouts and no runs.

The loss marks the first time since 1998 that OU has lost in its Big 12 opener. The defeat also snaps OU's 10-game winning streak against Texas A&M. OU is 8-2 in Big 12 openers under Gasso.

Oklahoma and A&M will play the final game of the two game set Sunday at Noon. The Sooners will head to Waco, Texas, after the game for a Monday doubleheader at No. 21 Baylor. The twin bill will begin at 2 p.m., from Getterman Stadium on the BU campus.

Softball Loses Heartbreaker In Big 12 Opener

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Softball Loses Heartbreaker In Big 12 Opener

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