Oklahoma State softball run-rules Eastern Illinois in NCAA Tournament opener

Oklahoma State softball dominated Eastern Illinois 16-0 in a run-rule victory during the NCAA Tournament’s Stillwater Regional opener on Friday at Cowgirl Stadium. The 13th-seeded Cowgirls scored early and often, recording 17 hits, including monster home runs from Karli Godwin and Amanda Hasler, who also drove in three runs. Starting pitcher Ruby Meylan worked two hitless innings before RyLee Crandall closed out the final three frames without allowing a run. The game saw a strong offensive performance from OSU, with Godwin, Hasler, and Rosie Davis each going 3 for 3. Lexi McDonald contributed two doubles, while Jayelle Austin, Audrey Schneidmiller, and Tia Warsop also added key hits. Eastern Illinois managed only two hits in the game, including a double by Mo Hance in the fourth inning, but Crandall limited further damage. Oklahoma State’s bench played a role as coach Kenny Gajewski emptied it late in the third inning, with Davis, McDonald, and Warsop driving in runs. The Cowgirls stretched their lead to 16-0 after singles by Godwin, Davis, Hasler, and Austin in the fourth inning. Crandall finished the game strong, securing the run-rule victory for OSU. The win sets up Oklahoma State for further NCAA Tournament play as they advance past Eastern Illinois in the Stillwater Regional. The Cowgirls’ pitching and offensive firepower proved decisive in their dominant performance.