CHICKASHA, Okla. — Texas Wesleyan (9-10, 3-3) faced a challenging doubleheader against the University of Science and Arts (OK) (13-5, 3-1) at Bill Smith Ballpark on Friday, falling 7-1 in the first game and 3-0 in the second.

In the first game, Texas Wesleyan managed three hits, including a double, but was unable to overcome a five-run second inning by Science and Arts. The home team took control early, with Maddy Baber walking and scoring the first run on a single by Maveryck Lightfoot. This was followed by a two-RBI triple from Jordan Ramsay, putting the score at 5-0 after two innings. 

Texas Wesleyan responded in the third inning when Haylie Delarosa singled and was driven home by a double from Rachet Houston, marking the Rams' sole run. However, Science and Arts added two more runs in their half, extending their lead to 7-1 after three innings. The remainder of the game saw no additional scoring, concluding with a final score of 7-1 in favor of Science and Arts.

Kylie Barnes pitched a complete game for the Rams, covering 6 innings with 124 pitches. She allowed 13 hits and 7 earned runs while striking out 5 and walking 2. Despite the loss, Barnes exhibited resilience, particularly in the fifth inning where she recorded two strikeouts without allowing a hit, although she faced a challenging second inning, conceding 5 runs on 6 hits, including a triple and two doubles. Delarosa scored one run and recorded a hit in four at-bats, contributing from the leadoff position. Houston notched a double and drove in one run, finishing with one hit in three at-bats. Arieanna Hernandez drew a walk and had one putout in the field.

In the second game, Texas Wesleyan was held to one hit while Science and Arts capitalized with three runs on six hits. The Drovers took an early lead in the first inning when Baber doubled to left field, driving in two runs, ending the inning with Science and Arts leading 2-0. In the fifth inning, Kinzie Williams tripled to left field and subsequently scored on a single by Malea McMurtrey, increasing the Drovers' lead to 3-0. The game concluded with Science and Arts maintaining their advantage, as the Rams were unable to score throughout the game.

Hernandez delivered a complete game performance for the Lady Rams, pitching 6 innings against Science and Arts. She allowed 6 hits and 3 earned runs, issuing 3 walks while striking out 4 batters. Hernandez faced 26 batters and threw 90 pitches, with 54 strikes, concluding her outing with a WHIP of 1.50. Despite the loss, Hernandez effectively managed the opposition with 9 flyouts and 4 groundouts, showcasing her ability to control the game. Offensively, she contributed with one hit in her three at-bats. Christina Jackson demonstrated her defensive capabilities by recording two assists and catching one baserunner stealing, while Katie Rodriguez showed patience at the plate, drawing a walk in her lone plate appearance.

Looking ahead, the Rams will face Science and Arts again on Saturday, March 7, at 12pm and 2pm in Chickasha, Oklahoma.