Arkadelphia, Ark. – The SBU Softball team finished up their tournament today against Ouachita Baptist and Oklahoma Baptist. Their first match came in the morning where they shut out the Tigers of Ouachita 4-0; first shutout since February 28^th, 2020. They came back later and fell to the Bison 0-8. The Bearcats moved to 2-2 on the season.
 
In game 1, Reilly Rupert took the mound and pitched for 5 innings allowing only 3 hits, receiving the win. The game was scoreless until the top of the 6^th where an error by the Tigers allowed Renae Gillmore to score from third base. The Bearcats expanded on that lead in the 7^th where they added three more runs to their tally to finish off the game 4-0. Alissa Collette received the save, pitching the final two innings allowing 1 hit.
 
"First game was well played, and I was happy to receive our first shutout as a team. Coach Brisley called a great game and Reilly Rupert bounced back very well from yesterday's loss."
 
Game 2 did not fare as well for the Bearcats, where they allowed a run each inning to trail 0-8 after 5. Kaitlyn Bagby and Meadow Vassar were the only two Bearcats to get hits in the game against the Bison.
 
"Our offense has to make adjustments at the plate. We are very capable of doing so" said head coach Carly Adkins. "Oklahoma Baptist is well coached and has solid pitching so that challenged our hitters quite a bit. Though we had glimmers of adjustments in a hard base hit from Meadow Vassar and other competitive at bats from Izzy Harrison deep in the game, these adjustments need to be made sooner. I am confident when we see Oklahoma Baptist later in the season, we will have a more competitive game on both sides of the coin."
 
The Bearcats will match up against the Bison again on March 22^nd for a double header. SBU's next game is this Tuesday February 8^th against Pitt St in a double header in Bolivar. First pitch is scheduled for 1 and 3 PM.