Branson, MO —
The Oklahoma Wesleyan softball team opened play at the Turf's Up Classic on Friday with two wins in Branson, Missouri. With the pair of victories, Oklahoma Wesleyan sits 9–3 overall to start the weekend.
Game 1 vs. Waldorf University
Oklahoma Wesleyan opened the day with a 10–1 win over Waldorf, putting together a strong all-around performance. The Lady Eagles jumped out front in the first inning and controlled the pace from there. Abby Huie set the tone by reaching base and moving into scoring position before Rylee Rector drove in the first run with a double to center field. Brooklyn Purtell followed with an RBI double of her own, and Morgan Ogle added a sacrifice fly to give the Eagles an early three-run cushion. Purtell extended the lead in the second inning with a two-run home run, and although Waldorf answered with a run in the bottom half, Oklahoma Wesleyan steadily added to its advantage with runs in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings to close out the 10–1 victory.
At the plate, Purtell led the charge with a 4-for-5 performance that included a home run, double, triple, and five RBIs. Rector collected two hits and drove in a run, while Gracie Jones and Karsyn Withem each finished with multiple hits as the Lady Eagles totaled 12 on the afternoon. In the circle, Gabi Simpson threw a complete game, allowing just one run on four hits and striking out five across seven innings to secure the win.
Game 2 vs. Viterbo University
Oklahoma Wesleyan closed out Friday with a 4–0 win over Viterbo, using a strong outing on the mound and a big third inning to complete the day's sweep. After a quiet start through the first two innings, the Lady Eagles broke through in the third when Abby Huie reached base to begin the rally and a pair of walks loaded the bases. Gracie Jones delivered the key swing of the inning, driving a double into the gap to bring in three runs and give Oklahoma Wesleyan a 3–0 lead. The Eagles added another run in the fourth as Huie came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Jones, providing all the support they would need the rest of the way.
Jones accounted for all four runs with a two-hit, four-RBI performance, while Huie reached base and scored twice. Rylee Rector added a hit and drew multiple walks as Oklahoma Wesleyan continued to work quality at-bats throughout the lineup. On the mound, Yina Vargas went the distance for the shutout, allowing just five hits across seven innings while keeping Viterbo off the board to secure the second win of the day. Oklahoma Wesleyan finishes Friday at the Turf's Up Classic with two victories and will continue tournament play through the weekend.
