Stillwater, Okla. -- The University of Maine softball team dropped both ends of its Mizuno Classic opening day doubleheader on Friday afternoon at Oklahoma State. The Black Bears opened play with a 4-1 loss to Saint Francis before falling to the No. 24 Oklahoma State Cowgirls, 19-1, in five innings in the nightcap.
Meghan Royle and
Alyssa Derrick each homered for the first time this season to provide both runs for the Black Bears. Royle finished the day with a pair of hits to lead the Maine offense.
In game one, Saint Francis jumped out to an early lead before eventually capturing a 4-1 victory over the Black Bears.
The Red Flash pushed across three runs in the top of the first, beginning when McKee scored on a wild pitch. Soon after, Norton drove in a pair with a double to center, giving Saint Francis a 3-0 advantage.
Saint Francis added to its lead with Cabell's solo home run to center in the top of the fifth.
Maine was able to get on the scoreboard when Royle notched her first home run of the season, clearing the left field fence in the bottom of the sixth.
However, the Black Bears were unable to get any closer, falling in the opener by a final of 4-1.
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The Black Bears fell behind 7-0 in the first inning of game two before ultimately falling, 19-1, in five innings to No. 24 Oklahoma State in game two.
Alyssa Derrick's solo blast in the top of the fourth provide the lone run for the Black Bears.
The Cowgirls' offense exploded for seven run in the top of the fifth before adding five more in the home half of the second to take a 12-0 lead after two.
Maine was able to hold Oklahoma State scoreless in the third but the Cowgirls answered with seven more runs in the bottom of the fourth to put the game out of reach.
Derrick's solo home run in the top of the fourth provided the lone run for the Black Bears. The home run marked the first on the season for Derrick and the 24th of her career.
The Cowgirls kept Maine off the scoreboard in the fifth, ending the game early with a 19-1 victory.
Maine is back in action on Saturday with another doubleheader. The Black Bears will begin play with a 12 p.m. EST contest against Saint Francis before meeting No. 24 Oklahoma State at 5 p.m.
-UMaine-
