Heavy rains Sunday night into Monday caused many county softball teams to delay the start of the season, including the Henryetta Lady Knights, who were set to take on Vian in the opener.
The Lady Knights under Coach Aundrea Lee were scheduled to travel Tuesday to Spiro in fastpitch action before tackling the Beggs Festival which begins Thursday.
In their last scrimmage before the start of the season, the Lady Knights fell to the Red Oak Lady Eagles by a score of 5-1 last Thursday.
The Lady Eagles wasted no time in taking control, seizing an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Jaylee Branscum’s double proved pivotal, driving in two runs. A subsequent dropped third strike and a single by Blaykee Ward added two more runs, setting the tone for the game.
Red Oak extended their lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the second inning with another hit from Branscum, who finished the day going 2-for-2 at the plate and contributing three runs batted in.
On the defensive side, Riley Parks delivered a solid performance on the mound for Red Oak. Parks earned the win after pitching four innings, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out five batters and walking one. The Lady Eagles’ fielding was equally impressive, not committing a single error throughout the game.
Henryetta struggled to match Red Oak’s offensive output, with Allie Davis taking the loss for the Knights. Davis pitched three innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits, striking out three and issuing no walks.
Despite the loss, Henryetta saw contributions from Cialee Watkins, who drove in their sole run of the game. Ailanee Hicks led the Knights in hits, going 2-for-2 at the plate.
-Red Oak: 5 R, 6 H, 0 E Henryetta: 1 R, 6 H, 1 E