Softball

3 Cowgirls Region II Selections; Tourney Pairings Announced

WARNER – The NJCAA Region II Softball Tournament pairings have been announced and the Connors State Cowgirls received the No. 4 seed and will open against Rose State, No. 5 seed at 1 p.m. at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City on Friday, May 3.

All first round games begin at 1 p.m. followed by a second game in the double elimination tournament at 5:30 p.m. Elimination and semifinal games will be played on Saturday. The championship game is Sunday at ASA Stadium.

The All-Region II team was also announced and three Cowgirls were selected. Infielder Ashley Dunigan, sophomore from Bristow, was a first team selection.

Second team selections were infielder Sammy Perry, freshman from Pryor and Kali Romine freshman from Muskogee.

Dunigan is hitting .331 entering the tournament and has stolen 55 bases this season to tie her all-time school record established a year ago. Perry is hitting .285 and has 3 home runs and 24 RBIs. Romine is averaging .294 at the plate with 2 homers and 18 RBIs.

Northeastern A&M the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference champion is the No. 1 seed and will play No. 8 seed Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa.

Western Oklahoma State the No. 2 seed will play No. 7 seed Carl Albert State College and No. 3 seed Seminole State will battle Eastern Oklahoma State.

Cowgirls Sweep Rose State in Regular Season Finale

Connors State closed out the regular season with a sweep of Rose State 3-2 and 8-7 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill Sunday.

The sweep gives the Cowgirls a 24-33 regular season mark and 11-15 in the conference. Connors will now await the pairings for the Region II Tournament which begins May 3 at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.

In the opener Sammy Perry put the Cowgirls on the board first with a solo home run. Rose State then scored two in the third inning to grab a 2-1 lead.

That was their last lead as Chelise Drew sent home Erin Isham with an RBI single to deadlock the game at 2-2 in the sixth. Isham reached base with a base hit.

In the seventh Isham provided the winning run when she singled home Whitney Whittmore, who pinch was running for Amanda O’Neal, who had reached on a walk. She moved to third on Perry’s base hit setting the stage for Isham.

The Cowgirls rallied from a 7-3 deficit in the night cap with five runs in the sixth inning to overtake Rose State.

The big blows in the inning were Kail Romine and Isham’s two-run doubles that fueled the attack.

Amanda O’Neal and Jessica Christian collected wins inside the circle for the Cowgirls. Ashley Dunigan stole four bases in the double header to tie her all time school mark of 55, which was established last season.

Christian Throws No-Hitter; Cowgirls Split with NOC-Tonkawa

TONKAWA –Jessica Christian threw a no-hitter to power the Connors State Cowgirls to a 6-0 win in the opener of an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader over Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa on Saturday, April 27 on the Lady Mavericks home field.

Christian struck out seven in the no-hit victory.

NOC-Tonkawa took the second game 5-4 to rally for the win as Christian took the loss in relief of Amanda O'Neal in the night cap. Northern won the game on a walk-off three run hit with two outs and two strikes on a batter.

 Ashley Dunigan, Erin Isham and Kali Romine had three hits each in the first game. Dunigan, Isham and Sammy Perry each had two hits in the second game. Dunigan now has 51 stolen bases on the year , four short of her record setting mark of a year ago of 55.

The Cowgirls will close out the regular season Sunday at 2 p.m. with a doubleheader against Rose State at Warner. The Cowgirls enter the twin bill with a 22-33 record on the season and 9-15 in league play.

Cowgirls Split Twin Bill With Carl Albert

POTEAU – Connors State behind home runs by Lei Loni Smith and Erin Isham in the second game of a twin bill earned a split with Carl Albert State College in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference  softball play on Wednesday, April 24 on the Vikings home field.

The Cowgirls won the night cap 13-2 and lost the opener 3-2 on a home run by the Vikings in the last of the seventh inning.

Connors is now 21-32 for the year and 8-14 in OCAC play and returns to play on Friday for a doubleheader with Rose State in the final home game of the season. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.

Jessica Christian took the loss inside the circle in the first game, with Amanda O’Neal getting the win in the night cap.

Smith’s homer  was her first of the season and Isham’s blast was her second.

Cowgirls Sweep Twin Bill from Coffeyville

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. –Connors State pounded out 24 base hits in sweeping a softball doubleheader 8-0 and 8-0  from Coffeyville Community College on Sunday, April 21 on the Red Ravens home turf.

Jessica Christian, who threw a 2-hitter in the first game and Amanda O’Neal, a 4-hitter in the nightcap,  each picked up wins inside the circle as the Cowgirls improved to 23-28 entering an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash with No. 11-ranked and league leader Northeastern A&M (30-7, 19-1) Monday on the Warner campus beginning at 5 p.m.

In the opener Amanda O’Neal blasted a 3-run homer in the win. Sammy Perry and Whitney Whitmore each had three hits with Chelsie Drew and O’Neal adding two hits each.

Ashley Dunigan had two stolen bases and now has 48 for the season.

In the second game, Connors led 1-0 in the third inning and erupted for 6 runs in the sixth to put it away. Dunigan pounded out three hits, with Keli Romine, Rikki Wooten and Whitmore collecting two hits each.

Eight Prep Players Sign to Play Softball for Cowgirls

WARNER—Connors State coach Rick Carbone has announced the signing of eight players to NJCAA softball National Letters-of-Intent for the 2013-14 Cowgirls softball season.

Joining the Cowgirls next fall are pitcher Taylor Canada from Roff; catcher Casey Kelley from Roff; infielder Taylor Purdue from Sand Springs; pitcher Kristin Reanor from Quinton; outfielder Kassie Yazzel from Morris; infielder Madison Peeples from Inola; outfielder Bethyae Lewis from Chelsea and utility player Larae Prichett from Salina.

No. 17 Western State Drops Cowgirls Twice

ALTUS –Connors State fell twice to No. 17 ranked Western Oklahoma State  6-4 and 4-2 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball double header Saturday, April 20th on the Lady Pioneers home field.

Cowgirls had five hits in the opener, including Rikki Wooten’s 2-run homer, her first of the season. Jessica Christian (8-10) took the loss.The second game loss went to Amanda O’Neal (4-4).

Cowgirls will play Coffeyville Community College Sunday in a doubleheader.

No. 22 Crowder Sweeps Cowgirls

NEOSHO, Mo. ---Connors State was swept by No. 22-ranked Crowder College  (30-15) Wednesday, April 17,  losing the softball twin bill 7-2 and 9-1 on the Roughriders home field.

Cowgirls managed only 6 hits in the double header, including a 2-run homer by Chelsie Drew in the third inning of the opener. Jessica Christian took the loss in the first game and Amanda O’Neal in the night cap.

Connors is now 21-26 entering an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader against Rose State Thursday in Warner.

Cowgirls Split Twin Bill with Seminole State

SEMINOLE – Connors State went on the road Sunday, April 14 to  capture a split with Seminole State, losing a heartbreaker in the opener 3-2 in 9 innings and battled back to take a 7-2 victory over the Belles in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill.

The two teams split the four-game season series with each winning two games and losing twice.

The split lifts the Cowgirls to 21-24 for the season and 7-11 in OCAC play, while Seminole is now 20-10 and 11-5. Connors returns to play on Wednesday with a road game at Crowder College.

Cowgirls jumped out to an early lead in the night cap against the Belles scoring a run in the second and two more in the third for a 3-2 advantage. Connors put the game away with a four-run burst in the fifth inning. Amanda O’Neal (5-3) was the winning pitcher.

Erin Isham connected on a solo home run, her first of the season, in the second inning. Ashley Dunigan stole three bases in the second game and four in the double header and now has 45 for the season.

In the opener Seminole took a 2-0 lead before the Cowgirls girls the game. Connors scored a run in the fifth and another in the sixth for the 2-2 deadlock. Seminole then scored in the ninth as Jessica Christian (8-10) took the loss.

Cowgirls Split with Murray State

WARNER –Connors State split with Murray State in softball play on Friday, April 12 on the Cowgirls field as the Aggies rallied from a 3-0 deficit to take a 6-5 win in eight innings in the opening, while the Cowgirls captured a 5-3 win in the night cap.

The split leaves the Cowgirls 20-24 on the year heading into a Sunday doubleheader at Seminole State in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader.

Cowgirls’ Amanda O’Neal picked up her fifth win inside the circle in the second game as CSC pounded out 8 base hits in the game. Ashley Dunigan, Chelsie Drew and Marcedes Pankey had two hits each. Drew was 5-for-7 in the twin bill, which included her fourth home run in the opener.

Jessica Christian was the losing pitcher for Connors in the opener. Cowgirls led 3-0 with two outs in the top of the seventh when Murray rallied for three runs to tie the game and send it to extra innings.

Perry Powers Cowgirls to Sweep of Eastern State

WILBURTON – Powered by Sammy Perry’s two home runs, Connors State swept a softball double header from Eastern Oklahoma State College 7-0 and 6-0 on the Lady Mountaineers home field on Tuesday, April 9.

The twin bill sweep improves the Cowgirls to 19-23 for the season and 6-10 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Connors returns to action on Thursday on the road against Carl Albert State College at Poteau for a double header beginning at 2 p.m.

Jessica Christian tossed a 3-hitter in the opening game and needed only Perry’s first home run of the season, a solo shot in the first inning to get the win. Ashley Dunigan pounded out two of her four hits on the day in the first game. Dunigan stole four bases in the double header.

Amanda O’Neal was the winner pitcher in the second game as Kali Romine, Dunigan and Perry provided the first power. Perry’s second home run came in the fifth inning.

Connors played excellent defense as they turned five double plays in the two games.

NEO Takes Two from Cowgirls

MIAMI, Okla. –Northeastern A&M, ranked No. 15 in the NJCAA national poll, defeated Connors State twice in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball play Saturday, April 6 winning 4-3 and 3-2.

Consecutive singles by Kali Romine and Whitney Whittmore started a two-run outburst by the Cowgirls in the top of the first inning of the first game. Romine scored on a misplay by NEO’s Brittany Donathon with Whittmore advancing to second. A fielder’s choice by Erin Isham allowed Whittmore to score.

With one out in the bottom of the third inning, the Lady Norse rallied to trail by a 2-1 deficit. Singles by Emily Walters and Shanna Johnson started the outburst. Donathon bounced into a fielder’s choice as Walters scored.

Three unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth propelled the Lady Norse to a 4-2 margin. Courtni Clark reached on an error by Sammy Perry at shortstop. After Megan Higgins doubled to left, Clark scored as Higgins was thrown out at third base. Lindsey Wofford walked before Maddie Stevenson doubled to center scoring Wofford. Stevenson scored on a RBI single by Alexis Riley.

Singles by Isham and Chelsea Drew sandwiched around a fielder’s choice by Blaine Matheson accounted the the final Connors run in the top of the sixth inning.

 Isham collected two of the six Cowgirls hits.

Aubrey Sutterfield singled and scored on a two-out single to right by Walters as NEO built a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning of the nightcap.

A triple to left by Riley scored Sutterfield and a RBI single by McClure increased NEO’s lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Connors tallied a run in the top of the sixth on singles by Amanda O’Neal and Romine before Drew scored an unearned run in the seventh.

 Romine had two of the four Connors singles.

Cowgirls will next play Eastern Oklahoma State in a doubleheader on Tuesday in OCAC action at Wilburton.

Connors Athletic Golf Scramble Set for June 8 at Cobblestone

Connors State Athletic Department will hold its annual golf scramble on Saturday, June 8 at Cobblestone Golf Course in Muskogee.

All proceeds from the scramble will go to student athletic scholarships. The scramble is limited to one flight only and to the first 36 teams.

A four-person team is $100 per person which includes green fees, ½ cart and lunch. Prizes include first place $400, second place $300 and third place $200. Ties will be determined by scorecard play-off.

Check in time is 7 to 7:45 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.

For additional information call Connors State Athletic Director Bill Muse at 918-463-6231. Make checks payable to Connors Development Foundation.

Cowgirls Softball Clinic Saturday, April 13

Connors State Cowgirls free softball camp will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the softball field, announced head coach Rick Carbone.

Connors State players and coaches will host the clinic to teach and develop softball skills. The clinic is open to girls ages 8 to 13.

For information contact head coach Rick Carbone at 918-463-6291.

Softball Alumni Game Sunday, April 7

Connors State Cowgirls will hold its annual alumni softball game Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. on the Warner campus, announced head coach Rick Carbone.

All former Cowgirl softball players are invited to participate in the event. A luncheon will be held before the game at the softball field.

For information contact Carbone at the Connors athletic department at 918-463-6291.

Western State Sweeps Cowgirls

Western Oklahoma State College blasted 10 home runs in sweeping a doubleheader from Connors State 10-9 and 12-0 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill Friday, March 29. Connors is now 17-21 for the year and 4-8 in league play.

Cowgirls held a 9-1 lead in the opener before the Lady Pioneers unleashed the big bats to rally for the win. Jessica Christian took the loss with Sammy Perry, Ashley Dunigan, Whitney Whitmore and Rikki Wooten getting two hits each for the Cowgirls.

The nightcap was all Western as Amanda O’Neal took the loss. Perry was the only Cowgirl to get two hits in the game.

Connors returns to action on Tuesday with Murray State at home.

Cowgirls Sweep Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa

Connors State Cowgirls swept Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, 10-8 and 5-3 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball play Thursday, March 28  to improve to 17-19 on the season and 4-6 in OCAC play.

Cowgirls took a 5-0 lead through four innings, before the Lady Mavericks struck back with 8 runs in the top of the fifth. Connors cut the NOC lead to 8-7 with two in their half of the fifth on a RBI single by Ashley Dunigan and RBI double by Sammy Perry.

Jessica Christian, who went the distance for Connors (9-4), got help in the sixth when the Cowgirls struck for three runs, a 3-run homer by Taylor Reeve for the 10-8 final.

In the night cap Connors scored two in the first and three in the second for a 5-0 advantage. Kali Romine blast a 3-run homer over the left-centerfield wall, scoring Dunigan and Mercedes Pinky, who has each reached on a single.

Northern made a late threat scoring three runs in the sixth. Amanda O’Neal took the win for the Cowgirls with help from Christian in the 6^th inning in relief.

The Cowgirls will play Western Oklahoma State College in a twin bill on Friday, beginning at 2 p.m. on the Warner campus.

Cowgirls Sweep Lamar State

PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS – Connors State wrapped up its Texas swing on Tuesday as the Cowgirls swept a doubleheader from Lamar State 16-7 and 9-4 in softball play. The Cowgirls are now 15-19 for the year and will return home to play Western Oklahoma State on March 26 in a doubleheader.

Amanda O’Neal took the win in the opener in relief. Cowgirls jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, but Lamar scored 6 runs in its half of the first inning. Connors added 3 more runs in the second and erupted for 6 runs in the fifth for a 15-6 advantage.

Sammy Perry led the way with a 3-for-3 performance, which included two doubles and a triple. Whitney Whitmore pounded out three base hits, which included a double and three RBIs. O’Neal helped her own cause with two hits, including a two-run homer.

The second game was also all Cowgirls as Jessica Christian took the win inside the circle.

Connors fell behind 3-0 in the third, but came back to tie the game at 5-all before scoring six runs in the seventh inning to get the win.

Ashley Dunigan, Kali Romine and Erin Isham had two hits each in the game. Dunigan stole three bases in the twin bill to add to a stolen base total on the season, which tops 30.

Cowgirls Split OCAC Contest with Rose State

Connors State split a softball twin bill with Rose State on Saturday, losing the opener 5-1 and taking the night cap 7-6 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference action on the Raiders home field.

The split leaves the Cowgirls with a 13-17 season mark and 2-6 in OCAC play.

Cowgirls used several pitchers in the second game inside the circle with Amanda O’Neal getting the win, as Connors battled back from a 6-0 deficit to score 5 runs in the fifth. Cowgirls scored two runs in the seventh, for the win as Sammy Perry opened with a base hit scored on Erin Isham’s double. Isham then scored on a Rikki Wooten base hit.

Ashley Dunigan was 2-for-4 in the second game and finished with four stole bases in the doubleheader. Perry was 2-for-3 and Kali Romine went 2-for 3 at the plate.

In the opener Cowgirls outhit Rose 7-3 with Dunigan went 3-for-4 and Chelsie Drew 2-for-4 at the plate. Three of the Raiders’ runs were unearned as Jessica Christian took the loss.

The Cowgirls will travel to Texas over the Spring break and take on Galveston Community College on Monday, Lamar State on Tuesday and Odessa Community College on Wednesday.

Cowgirls Lose Twice to Carl Albert

Connors Cowgirls fell twice to Carl Albert State College in softball play on Thursday, March 14, losing in the opener 5-4 and 15-6 in the night cap at Warner. The Cowgirls are 12-16 for the season.

In the opener the Cowgirls rallied to tie the opener at 4 in the sixth on an RBI double by Rikki Wooten and a run-scoring single by Mercedes Panky, but lost it in the seventh.

 Carl Albert took control early in the second game to grab the sweep.

Jessica Christian (8-4) allowed six hits in the opener. Jerelyn Long (3-6) scattered 11 hits.

Murray State Sweeps Cowgirls

TISHOMINGO – Murray State swept Connors State 4-1 and 2-1 Tuesday in softball play on the Aggies home field.

Jerelyn Long, who led the Cowgirls in hitting for the day, took the loss inside the circle in the opener, despite throwing a four hitter. All four of Murray State’s runs were unearned.

Jessica Christian took the loss in the night cap, while allowing just three hits.

Connors stranded 15 base runners in the twin bill, while pounding out 10 base hits.

The Cowgirls are now 12-14 for the season and will play Carl Albert on Thursday at home in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader.

Cowgirls Win Twice at Midwest Classic, Drop Rose, Neosho

BIXBY –Connors State pounded out 29 hits in posting two wins in the Midwest Classic Softball Tournament Saturday, dropping Rose State 11-3 and Neosho, Mo. 10-2.

Cowgirls will take a 12-12 record into Sunday’s second day of play starting at 11 a.m. against Cowley, Kan., Murray State at 3 p.m. and Allen County, Kan. at 7 p.m.

Jerelyn Long took the win inside the circle in game one a two hitter and Jessica Christian tossed a three-hitter in the second.

Chelsie Drew was 7-for-9 at the plate, including a triple for the two games. Erin Isham had four hits on the day, along with Ashley Dunigan, who also had six stolen bases and now has 27 for the season.

Long went 3-for-4 in the second game at the plate and Blaine Matheson collected two hits.

Softball Game Postponed With NEO; Rescheduled for April

Connors State’s softball game with Northeastern A&M on the Warner campus Tuesday, was cancelled due to cold and windy conditions, according to head coach Rick Carbone.

The game has been rescheduled for April 22 at Warner. The Cowgirls are currently 8-10 for the season and return to action on Wednesday against Crowder College at 2 p.m.

Christian Tosses 2-Hitter; Cowgirls Split with Marshalltown

Jessica Christian tossed a two hitter in the nightcap of a doubleheader on Sunday fueling the Cowgirls to a 2-1 softball victory over Marshalltown, Iowa. The Iowa club took the opener 4-3.

Cowgirls are now 8-10 for the season and will open Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play at home Tuesday against Northeastern A&M. First pitch is 2 p.m.

Christian had 10 strikeouts in going the distance as she improved to 6-2 inside the circle.

Sammy Perry was 2-for-3 at the plate with a stolen base, while Ashley Dunigan also had a stolen base, her 13^th of the year. Chelsie Drew, was 1-for-3 at the plate, including a home run, her second of the year.

In the opener Jerelyn Long took the loss in going seven innings, allowing five hits and striking out five.

Marshalltown scored three runs in the first and added a run in the sixth for the win.

Perry was 2-for-4 at the plate, with Long pounding out two hits in three appearances, with Dunigan getting a base hit for an RBI and Erin Isham getting a base hit for an RBI.

Cowgirls Split With Seminole State

Chelsie Drew drove home  Erin Isham with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth of game one as the Connors Cowgirls split their doubleheader on Saturday, March 2, on the Warner campus, defeating Seminole State 3-2 and falling 9-5 in the night cap.

 Jessica Christian got the decision in both contests as her record ran to 5-2.

In the second game, Connors (7-9) stranded seven runners on base. Jerelyn Long and Ashley Dunigan were both 2-for-4 with Dunigan scoring twice while Long drove in three runs

Cowgirls Topple Hill College at Fort Worth Tournament

FORT WORTH, TEXAS –The second day of the Cowtown Softball Tournament on Saturday proved to just like the first day of action on Friday for the Connors State Cowgirls.

Cowgirls were 1-2 on Saturday, losing to Northeast Texas 7-5, defeating Hill College 6-3 and falling to Ranger, Texas in the night cap 11-3. The Cowgirls are now 2-6 for the season entering Tuesday’s action at Independence Community College.

Caitlyn Craig took the loss inside the circle against Northeast Texas with Chelsie Drew leading the hitting attack going 3-for-4 at the plate. Connors was unable to push across any runs as they left 8 base runners stranded in the game.

In the win over Hill College Jerelyn Long took the win with Jessica Christian recording a save. Connors took a 6-0 lead in the first innings with Drew, Mercedes Pankey, Long and Erin Isham pounding out two base hits in the victory.

In the final game Craig took the loss, as the Cowgirls once again stranded 8 base runners in the game. Whittney Whittmore led the hitting for Connors with two base hits.

Cowgirls Drop LaBette in Cowtown Tournament

FORT WORTH, TEXAS –Connors State Cowgirls posted a 2-1 record on the opening day of the prestigious Cowtown Softball Tournament Friday, defeating Labette County, Kan. 7-1 in their final game of the day.

The Cowgirls opened the tournament with an 11-3 loss to Weatherford, Texas, followed by a heartbreaking loss to North Central Texas, 7-6.

Connors is now 1-4 entering Saturday’s schedule at the Cowtown Tournament. The Cowgirls will play three games, battling Northeast Texas, Hill Community College and Ranger College.

Chelsie Drew spearheaded the Cowgirls win over Labette with a solo home run in the third inning to give Connors an early 1-0 lead in the third inning. Rikki Wooten had a 2-run RBI single in the game as the Cowgirls held a 7-0 lead going to the seventh inning.

Jessica Christian picked up the win, her first of the season, allowing just three hits, striking out 8 and walking two.

In the opener against Weatherford, Texas, Connors fell behind 7-0 in the third inning and never recovered as Jerelyn Long took the loss in the circle.

Long also took the loss against North Central Texas as the Texas took a 2-0 lead in the first, before Cowgirls ‘ Kali Romine connected on a solo home run to make it 2-1. The game was tied 5-5 in the sixth frame before North Central scored two in the seventh to get the win.

Cowgirls Fall Twice in Season Openers

Connors State Cowgirls opened the 2013 softball season  and it wasn’t what the Cowgirls wanted losing twice to visiting Independence Community College Tuesday afternoon, 5-4 in 8 innings using the international tie breaking rule and 8-7 in the nite cap to the Lady Pirates.

The Cowgirls will next travel to Fort Worth, Texas, to play in the Cowtown Tournament, Friday and Saturday. Connors will play Weatherford, Texas at 8 a.m. followed by a noon game with North Central, Texas and a 6 p.m. clash with Ranger, Texas on Friday.

Connors’ pitching gave up 16 walks in the doubleheader, with Jerelyn Long losing the opener and Caitlyn Craig in the second game. Long allowed 7 hits and walked 9 with 2 strike outs.

“Our pitching let us down, and this wasn’t the way we wanted to start,” said head coach Rick Carbone. “We saw a few good things, and we’ll be ready this weekend. We’ll learn from this.”

Cowgirls had only four hits in the opener led by Ashley Dunigan who scored twice with a stolen base. Cowgirls took a 3-1 lead after three innings, but Independence tied the game at 4-all after 7 innings setting the stage for international tie breaker in the eighth.

The second game Connors Craig gave up 8 hits and 6 walks before being relieved by Jessica Christian as Independence jumped out to an 8-2 lead after four innings. Christian allowed just two hits, struck out four and walked just two in her relief stint.

Trailing 8-5 in the seventh, Cowgirls’ Amanda O’Neal brought Connors back to within a run 8-7 with a two-run homer. Blaine Matheson doubled off the wall in center field to come home on O’Neal’s shot.

Cowgirls Lose Season Openers to Independence

Connors State Cowgirls opened the 2013 softball season  and it wasn’t what the Cowgirls wanted losing twice to visiting Independence Community College Tuesday afternoon, 5-4 in 8 innings using the international tie breaking rule and 8-7 in the nite cap to the Lady Pirates.

The Cowgirls will next travel to Fort Worth, Texas, to play in the Cowtown Tournament, Friday and Saturday. Connors will play Weatherford, Texas at 8 a.m. followed by a noon game with North Central, Texas and a 6 p.m. clash with Ranger, Texas on Friday.

Connors’ pitching gave up 16 walks in the doubleheader, with Jerelyn Long losing the opener and Caitlyn Craig in the second game. Long allowed 7 hits and walked 9 with 2 strike outs.

“Our pitching let us down, and this wasn’t the way we wanted to start,” said head coach Rick Carbone. “We saw a few good things, and we’ll be ready this weekend. We’ll learn from this.”

Cowgirls had only four hits in the opener led by Ashley Dunigan who scored twice with a stolen base. Cowgirls took a 3-1 lead after three innings, but Independence tied the game at 4-all after 7 innings setting the stage for international tie breaker in the eighth.

The second game Connors Craig gave up 8 hits and 6 walks before being relieved by Jessica Christian as Independence jumped out to an 8-2 lead after four innings. Christian allowed just two hits, struck out four and walked just two in her relief stint.

Trailing 8-5 in the seventh, Cowgirls’ Amanda O’Neal brought Connors back to within a run 8-7 with a two-run homer. Blaine Matheson doubled off the wall in center field to come home on O’Neal’s shot.

Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Big Hit

MUSKOGEE-- Connors State College inducted eight former student athletes, its 1985 Cowgirls National Championship basketball team and awarded an Outstanding Leadership award at its first Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday night at the Muskogee Country Club.

Inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame for basketball was Lou Henson, who played at Connors State and had an outstanding coaching career at New Mexico State and the University of Illinois. He was joined by NJCAA All-American Horatio Webster, who was unable to make the trip due a flight cancelation in Chicago. Rhonda Smith, who was a two time- All-American for the Cowgirls basketball team represented the women, but didn’t make the trip due to a family illness.

Also inducted were softball players Michel Taylor-Ashlock, and Cassie Tipton, baseball players Jeff Turtle and Clint Sodowsky. V. David Miller, CEO of Cross Communication received the Outstanding Leadership Award.

Connors State President Dr. Tim Faltyn expressed his appreciation to the packed ballroom of 140 for their “continued support of Connors State athletics and to the college.”

“This was well overdue (Athletic Hall of Fame) and to me personally one more sentence in a chapter of excellence that we are building at Connors State,” said Dr. Faltyn.

The highlight of the evening was Henson, who grew up in Okay and came to Connors in 1951 to play basketball.

“Connors was the foundation for my coaching career and the stepping stone for my life,” said Henson.  “My playing days at Connors sparked my interest in coaching.”

Henson, who said he believed in giving back to what help him through life, donated $5,000 to the men’s basketball program it was announced by Athletic Director Bill Muse.

Kim Davis-Barton, who played for the Cowgirls from 1980-82, where she was named an NJCAA All-American, said “I am truly blessed to be honored tonight and be here. I thank God for giving me the ability to play basketball.

“It was Coach (Monte) Madewell who helped perfect my game. There is no better place than Connors State. It will always be in my heart,” said Davis-Barton.

ESPN Basketball Analyst to Emcee CSC Athletics Hall of Fame

Bryndon Manzer, former Oklahoma State guard and now ESPN Basketball game and Studio analyst will emcee the Connors State College Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Muskogee Country Club.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with a reception followed by dinner and the induction of the first class.

“I am very excited about being a part of this event and being selected the emcee,” said Manzer.

Manzer, who resides in Edmond, with his wife Janie and sons Brooks (9) and Banks (5), is also an investment advisor with Securian Advisors, MidAmerica Inc. for the past 10 years.

Manzer, who played his high school basketball at Stillwater High School, began his college career at St. Gregory’s Junior College when he played for two seasons under Don Sumner. He is St. Gregory’s fourth all-time leading scorer and led Region II in scoring with a 23-6 scoring average in the 1991-92 seasons. He was an honorable mention All-American in 1991-92. He was inducted into the St. Gregory’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.

Manzer then signed with Eddie Sutton at Oklahoma State in 1992 where he played on two nationally ranked NCAA Tournament teams. He left OSU as the school’s all-time 3-point percentage leader.

Following graduation he became head coach at St. Gregory’s in 1996 through 2002 leading the school to only national tournament appearance in 1999-200. He was named the Sooner Athletic Conference coach of the year. He served as athletic director from2000 to 2002.

Athletic Hall of Fame Tickets Available

Tickets for the Connors State College Athletic Hall of Fame banquet on Oct. 6 are available at the Warner campus by contacting Athletic Director Bill Muse.

Cost of the event is $25 and can be purchased by contacting Muse at (918) 463-6231. The event will be held at the Muskogee Country Club, which gets under way at 5 p.m. with a reception, followed by the dinner at 6 p.m. and the induction of the first CSC class.

Bryndon Manzer, studio basketball analyst for ESPNU and former basketball player at Oklahoma State University, will emcee the banquet.

CSC Announces First Athletics Hall of Fame Class

Connors State College has a long history of athletic achievements and to honor those athletes CSC Athletic Director and Cowboys head basketball coach Bill Muse has announced the first Connors State College Athletic Hall of Fame members.

The first class, which will be inducted on Oct. 6, at the Muskogee Country Club includes former men’s basketball players Lou Henson, Horatio Webster, women’s basketball players Kim Davis-Barton, Rhonda Smith, baseball players Clint Sodowsky, Jeff Turtle, softball players Cassie Tipton, Michel Taylor, women’s 1985 NJCAA National Championship basketball team and V. David Miller of Cross Communication, who is to be awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award.

“We are very excited about establishing our Athletic Hall of Fame with athletes who have excelled both on and off the athletic courts and playing fields at Connors State College,” said Muse. “This is an exciting time for Connors State and we are looking forward to our first induction in October.

 “The Connors State Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that can be bestowed on a Cowboy and Cowgirl that participated in athletics,’’ said Muse.

Bryndon Manzer, studio basketball analyst for ESPNU and former basketball player at Oklahoma State University, will emcee the banquet, which will get under way at 5 p.m. with a reception, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event can be obtained  from Muse at Connors State by calling (918) 463-6231.

Henson, a native of Okay, Okla. played at Connors State in 1951-53 before continuing his collegiate career at New Mexico State University, before beginning a coaching career that spanned 53 years.

He began his career at Las Cruces, N.M. High School in 1959, winning three state titles before moving to the college ranks in 1962 at Hardin-Simmons University, where he posted a 67-36 mark. After four seasons he took over at his alma mater, New Mexico State, taking the Aggies to the Final Four for the only time in the school’s history in 1970, losing to eventual national champion UCLA in the semifinals.

During his nine seasons at New Mexico State he led the Aggies to six NCAA Tournaments and four 20-win seasons, compiling a 173-71 record.

Henson then moved to the University of Illinois, leading the Illini to the Final Four in 1989, before retiring after 21 seasons in 1996. He compiled an overall record of 423-224 at Illinois.  He guided the Illini to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and three NIT appearances.

However, New Mexico State reached out to their alum following a scandal that removed the head coach just before the season opened. Henson stayed until 2005 posting a 135-86 record, which included three more NCAA Tournament appearances and three trips to the NIT. He retired coaching for a second time because of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Henson’s overall collegiate coaching record is 779-422 to rank No. 6 on the all-time list among coaches.

Webster, a Durant, Miss., native played at Connors State 1995 -96, is the Cowboys all-time leading scorer with 1,674 points. Webster was a NJCAA All-American and Player of the Year in 1996. Webster averaged 23.5 points his sophomore season in leading the Cowboys to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.

Following his CSC career, he played at Mississippi State, where he was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference performer, where he  averaged 16.1 points his junior season and 17.0 points during his senior year.

Kim Davis-Barton played for the Cowgirls from1980-82, where she was a NJCAA All-American in 1982 in leading CSC to the Region II Championship and national tournament appearance. Davis-Barton was a two-time All-Bi-State Conference selection and voted the Region II Most Valuable Player in 1982. She was selected to play in the East-West junior college game in Kansas City, Mo.

Following graduation at CSC, Davis-Barton continued her basketball career at Oral Roberts University leading the Lady Titans to an undefeated regular season record during the 1982-83 seasons under head coach Debbie Yow. Davis-Barton averaged 17.3 points at ORU in leading the Lady Titans to the WNIT, losing in the semifinals.

Davis-Barton, who played only one season at ORU, before moving on to the University of Florida with Yow, led ORU in scoring and was an All-American selection. She was nominated by Yow for the Margaret Wade Trophy as the women’s player of the year.

She played one season at Florida where she was a letterman and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the College of Journalism and Communication. She is now the Director of Outreach of Alachua County Supervisor of Elections.

Smith played for the Cowgirls from 1983 and 1985, where she was a two-time NJCAA All-American and named to the Kodak All-America team in 1985. She was also a two-time All-Bi-State Conference and Region II selection and is the only Cowgirl to have her Jersey Number retired—35.

She is the Cowgirls all-time leading scorer with 1,512 points, averaging 20.7 points a game during her career. Smith averaged 24.7 points her sophomore season, No. 1 on the Cowgirls record list, along with single season rebound mark of 450 for a 12.5 average. She also tops the single season records for field goals (382), and field goal attempts (705).

Following graduation from Connors, Smith continued her playing career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds on the Lady Bulldogs team that won the 1987 NAIA National Championship with a 30-2 record. She was a first team NAIA All-American, All-District IX selection and Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Year.

Turtle, a member of the Cowboys baseball team in 1984 and 85, was signed by head coach Perry Keith on the tailgate of a pickup at Pryor, Okla., and went on to become the all-time career homerun (41) and runs-batted-in (190) record holder at Connors.

He was a two-time All-Region selection and second team NJCAA All-American in 1985. Following his graduation at Connors he signed with Kansas State, where he hit .337 and .397 with 21 home runs over two years, being named All-Big Eight in 1987. Turtle went on to play in the San Francisco Giants organization.

Sodowsky played for the Cowboys in 1991where he posted an 8-3 record with 63 strike outs and an earned run average of 2.34. He drafted in the ninth round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Detroit Tigers.

The right-hander pitched for four major league teams, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Arizona and St. Louis, posting a career record of 8-14 with a 6.17 earned run average. He was a member of the inaugural Arizona Diamondbacks team that began play in the MLB in 1998.

Sodowsky retired from professional baseball in 2006 after playing 10 seasons in Triple-A.

Tipton played two seasons for the Cowgirls, 1995-96 and played an instrumental part in leading Connors State to the NJCAA National Tournament, finishing fifth. The outfielder was an NJCAA second team All-American, hitting .467 with 44 stolen bases, which stood for 16 years as the all-time record stolen base record. She was a Bi-State Conference and Region 2 first team selection.

Tipton went on to Oklahoma State, playing two seasons.

Taylor, who played for the Cowgirls in 1996 and 96, was the top pitcher for the ‘96 club which went on to the NJCAA National Tournament, posting a 36-6 record. The right-hander ranks No. 2 on the Cowgirls all-time single season records. She posted a 1.33 earned run average in ’96 en route to be named second team NJCAA All-American, while be a first team Bi-State and Region 2 first team selection.

Taylor then went on to Southwestern State University, playing just one season. She was the primary pitcher on the Lady Bulldogs first ever intercollegiate softball team. She led the team in starts with 30, posting nine wins with 101 strike outs.

The 1985 Cowgirls basketball team under the guidance of head coach Monte Madewell and assistant Bill Martin, won Connors State first-ever national championship at Senatobia, Miss., as a No. 8 seed at the national tournament, capturing a 73-71 victory over top-ranked Odessa Junior College in the championship game, to end the season with a 32-4 record.

Team members of the championship squad are Lisa McMillin, Traci Krumsiek, Carolyn Greuel, Michelle Gordon, Stacy Cunningham, Gail Cooks, Vicki Price, Jan Gilmore, Alicia Burke, Rhonda Smith, Tonya Godsby, Mannon Mahan, Wendy Sanders, DeDe McLemore, and LaDonna James.

Miller, CEO of Cross Telephone Company, has over 40 years of telecommunications experience and is a second generation in the business. He has been employed with Cross since 1963, working in all areas of the company, including repair, sales and management.

He has been very active in Muskogee as well as the communities that Cross Telephone Company serves. Miller serves on several boards such as the Foundation of Connors State College since its inception as a member of the board and also as chairman for several years.

Miller has also served as President of the Oklahoma Telephone Association, board member of the FiveStar Financial Corporation, Oklahoma State Insurance Board, Five Civilized Tribe Museum Foundation, chairman and board member of the Muskogee County Excise Board, and the Muskogee Country Club.

He has also worked closely with the Shriners in helping crippled and burned children, local ball teams and school related functions.

Former TU American, NFL Star Speaks to Connors State Student-Athletes

Jerry Ostroski

Jerry Ostroski, former University of Tulsa All-American and an 8-year pro with the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills addressed 125 athletes Wednesday night at the Connors State College Westbrook Library Auditorium telling the athletes to “take advantage of your opportunity”

Ostroski, who started 108 games for the Bills as an offensive lineman, after being cut three times by Kansas City and Atlanta stressed to the student-athletes to “make the most of the opportunity.

“But the real opportunity is to ask yourself is.. what are you really doing with this opportunity. Are you wasting it or using it to the best of your ability?

Ostroski, who sustained several knee injuries during his NFL career stressed to the student-athletes that “it’s a grind, but you have to embrace the grind to become the best that you can be. You have to put in the time. It’s not easy

“Its what do at home and in the classroom that you bring to athletics that makes you a better athlete, by putting in the time. You don’t need to be out on the weekend, drinking, smoking or driving around with friends when you can be working on your game.

“You don’t need to be blowing five days a week of hard work on two days of weekend trouble and getting right back where you started,” said Ostroski.

Ostroski told the student-athletes he wanted to attend Penn State, but the opportunity wasn’t there. He was recruited by TU’s George Henshaw, who left before he enrolled his freshman season and played four years under Dave Rader, where he played in two bowl games.

“It was my dream to play by Penn State, but wasn’t given the opportunity, and I embraced the TU opportunity. That’s what I telling these student athletes take advantage of the opportunity they have and make the most of it. I thought many times of returning home to Pennsylvania but I wanted to make my parents proud and that’s what you should want.

“There is no magic formula for success. You just have to grind it out. Only one percent of college athletes become pro athletes. But this time (college) is the best time of our life. Embrace the grind and take advantage of the opportunity,” said Ostroski.

Deese Joins Cowgirls Softball Staff

– Connors State College head softball coach Rick Carbone has announced the hiring of Michael Deese as assistant coach for the Cowgirls staff.

Deese comes to Connors State from Auburn University staff where he served as hitting instructor, while working with the Tigers’ outfielders, infielders and catchers.

“Mike brings a lot to our staff and we our very fortunate to have him join our staff,” said Carbone. “He will also be a vital part of our recruiting with his ties to the southeastern part of the country. We look forward to him bringing some new ideals to our program, “said Carbone.

Deese is a graduate of Penn State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and is NASM certified Performance Enhancement Specialist.

Before his stint at Auburn, Deese coached at Centennial High School in Pa. He was an All-Region player at St. Francis High School and played at Young Harris Junior College in North Georgia, where he was an All-Region selection.

Fall Softball and Baseball Schedules Announced

  Connors State softball coach Rick Carbone and baseball coach Perry Keith have announced their fall schedules for the Cowgirls and Cowboys.

The Cowgirls have scheduled eight playing dates with their first home game on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. against Murray State. The Cowgirls will open the fall season on Sept. 4 at Independence (Kan.) Community College.

The Cowboys will have 18 playing dates with their first home game Sept. 6 with Carl Albert at 4 p.m.

Cowgirls softball schedule:

September: 4 at Independence CC 2 p.m.; 8 at Southeastern State 10 a.m.; 11 Murray State 1 p.m.; 18 at Arkansas Tech 4 p.m.; 20 at Northeastern State 2:30 p.m.; 23/24 Mid-South Tournament (Bixby) TBA.

October: 5-7 OU Festival (Norman) TBA; 11  Crowder CC 2 p.m.

 Cowboys baseball schedule:

September: 6 Carl Albert 4 p.m.; 13 at Bacone 1 p.m.; 15 Allen County (Jenks) Noon; 18 Crowder 1 p.m.; 22 Northern Noon; 23 at Southeastern State Noon; 27 at Carl Albert 12:30 p.m.; 29 OCAC Festival (Jenks) 10 p.m.

October: 2 at Crowder College 2 p.m.; 3  Ontario Blue Jays 4 p.m.; 4  Ontario Blue Jays 11 a.m.; 5 OSU Festival (Stillwater) 4 p.m.; 11 at Rogers State Noon; 15 Murray State 3 p.m.; 16 at Northern Enid noon; 23 at Murray State 11 a.m.; 25 at East Central University Noon; 30 Scout Day 11 a.m.

Decade of Athletic Excellence

Connors State College under the guidance of Athletic Director Bill Muse the Cowboys and Cowgirls athletic teams have an unprecedented record over the past decade.

Connors State has won 10 conference championships, 6 Region II Championships, appeared in 3 National Junior College Athletic National Basketball Tournaments, 2 NJCAA College World Series and 1 Final Four.

No other Oklahoma state junior college athletic department has recorded as many feats as the Cowboys and Cowgirls in the past 10-year period.

CSC Golf Scramble July 13

Connors State Athletic Department will hold a scramble golf tournament July 13 at Cobblestone Creek Golf Course in Muskogee, announced CSC Athletic Director Bill Muse.

 The teams will consist of four players per team and the cost is $100 per player.

 All proceeds from the tournament will go to student-athletic scholarships at Connors State.

 For more information contact Bill Muse at 918-463-6231.

Cowgirls' Lauren Pittman Signs With Oklahoma Christian

WARNER – Connors State College’s Lauren Pittman, sophomore from Washington, Okla., has signed a NAIA softball National Letter-of-Intent with Oklahoma Christian University, announced Cowgirls head coach Rick Carbone.

Pittman, a second team All-Region 2 selection at shortstop , hit .340 for Connors, with 13 doubles, 29 RBIs, 3 stolen bases and 7 home runs. She had a .925 fielding percentage this season.

Oklahoma Christian is a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference and is coached by Tom Heath.

Cowgirls Season Ends at Region II Tournament

OKLAHOMA CITY – Connors State Cowgirls were ousted from the Region II Softball Tournament Saturday at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, winning their first elimination game 8-5 over Rose State, before falling to Western State 6-2 in a second elimination contest. The Cowgirls close the year at 26-28

Cowgirls pounded out 16 hits en route to their victory over Rose State as CSC jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning.

Paige Boling’s 2-run RBI double to the right field wall was the big blow in the first inning. Boling’s line drive shot sent home Kenna McCoy who singled to left field and Brandi Schueler, who also reached on a base hit.

Connors made it 7-0 in the second inning with a 4-run explosion. Schueler’s 2-run RBI double to left field plated Emily Wares, who had reached on a single to left field and Ashley Dunigan, who had an infield single to make it 5-0.

Boling followed with a triple to score Schuler giving the Cowgirls a 6-0 advantage. Boling scored the fourth run of the inning when Baile Neel ripped a single down the left field, putting CSC on top 7-0.

The Connors assault continued in the third inning, when Summer Cunningham scored on a RBI single by McCoy to put the Cowgirls on top 8-0 and within reach of run-ruling the Raiders.

Cowgirls starter Lauren Robertson had silenced the Raiders’ bats four innings, allowing just two hits, ran into trouble in the fifth. Rose struck for four runs on four base hits, cutting Connors lead to 8-5. Robertson was relieved by Jordan Jones. Robertson went 5 1/3 innings, striking out three and giving up six hits. She did not walk a batter.

Jones shut down the Raiders the final 1 2/3 innings to earn the save, allowing just one hit. Robertson got the win.

In the second game of the day, Connors took a 1-0 lead over Western State in the second inning when Lauren Pittman’s double to left center field scored Boling, who had reached base on a single to right field.

Connors made it 2-0 in the fourth inning when Balie Neel singled to left field and after two groundout put outs, scored on a wild pitch.

Long kept the Pioneers bats silent for the first three innings, allowing them only two hits. However, Western scored five runs in the fourth, which included a grand slam by Martha Thomas. Western State added a run in the sixth for the 6-2 final. Jordan Jones pitched the final two innings for CSC.

Connors managed only four base hits against the Pioneers. Dunigan added to her school stolen base mark and the Bristow freshman now has 54 on the season.

Cowgirls Split in Opening Day of Region II Play

OKLAHOMA CITY--- Connors State pounded out three home runs in the opener of the Region II Softball Tournament double elimination play Friday en route to a 15-4 run-rule win over Northern Oklahoma –Tonkawa’s and then fell to NJCAA No. 5-ranked Seminole 6-0 in the second game at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.

The loss drops the Cowgirls into the loser’s bracket play and CSC (25-27) will battle Rose State in an elimination game at 11 a.m. Saturday. Rose advance by defeating Carl Albert State College 4-3 and sent the Vikings home. A Cowgirls win over Rose State would then send them into a 3 p.m. elimination clash against the winner of Western State and Eastern State.

In the Cowgirls opener of the Region II Tournament Connors quickly found themselves behind 4-0 in the first inning.

Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa jumped on Cowgirls starter Jordan Jones, who lasted only 1/3 of an inning, giving up three base hits and two walks.

However, Jerelyn Long in relief shut down the Lady Mavericks bats the rest of the game. It was a 9-run explosion by CSC in the third inning and two home runs that powered the Cowgirls to the victory.

 Long during her stint gave up only three base hits in 4 1/3 innings in the circle, striking out two, and walking four in getting the win.

Long got plenty of help in the third inning as the Cowgirls sent 13 batters to the plate, pounding out 8 base hits, which included two home runs in the frame.

Brandi Schuler connected on a 3-run homer over the left center field wall, her ninth of the season and Long aided her own cause with a 3-run blast over the center field fence, her third of the year.

Kenna McCoy, Paige Boling, Balie Neel Lauren Pittman, and Ashley Dunigan each had a base hit in the third inning explosion which resulted in a 9-4 Cowgirls advantage.

The Lady Mavericks made it a 9-5 game in the top of the fifth on two base hits, but that was as close as NOC would get to the Cowgirls.

Connors put the game away with another offensive explosive, this time five runs in their half of the fifth, resulting in run-ruling the Lady Mavs.

The big blast of the fifth by CSC was Boling’s 2-run walk off homer over the right center-field wall. It was Boling’s seventh homer of the season. Ashley Dunigan also tripled in the inning for an RBI. McCoy plated Dunigan for another run on a fly out to center field and Long also scored in the frame on a wild pitch. Dunigan added to her school record stolen base total, swiping her 53^rd in the third inning.

Connors was held to just four hits in the second game, missing scoring opportunities in the second and seventh innings.

Lauren Robertson went six innings for the Cowgirls and sustained the loss, giving up five hits, and hitting a batter.

The game was scoreless until the top of the fifth when the Belles scored three runs before adding one in the sixth and two in the seventh.

Boiling Named First Team All-Region; Pairings Announced

Connors State Cowgirls received the No. 4 seed in the Region II Softball Tournament which opens play on Friday and outfielder Paige Boiling was named first team All-Region II on Monday.

The Cowgirls (24-26) will play Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa (24-27) the No. 5 seed at 1:30 p.m. at the ASA Complex in Oklahoma City.

Boiling, sophomore from Muskogee, is a two-time All-Region first team selection and a member of the NJCAA All-American team as a freshman. The outfielder hit .429 this season with six home runs and 39 runs-batted-in.

Named to the second  team from Connors were sophomore shortstop Lauren Pittman from Washington, Okla., a second team All-Region selection a year ago; freshman outfielder Summer Cunningham from Tahlequah; and freshman third baseman Brandi Schuler from Bartlesville.

Named honorable mention where sophomore Balie Neel of Locust Grove; freshman Ashley Dunigan of Bristow and sophomore Lauren Roberston of Bixby.

Other first round Region II games on Friday are top-seed and NJCAA No. 7 ranked Seminole State (43-10) battling No. 8 seed Eastern State (13-33); No. 2 seed and No. 9-ranked NJCAA Northeastern A&M (35-12) playing No. 7 seed Carl Albert State College (16-34) and No. 3 seed and No. 19-ranked NJCAA Western State (42-11) meeting No. 6 seed Rose State (22-32).

All first round games begin at 1:30 p.m. with a second game, win or lose beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the double elimination tournament. The semifinals will be played Saturday and the finals are scheduled Sunday.

Cowgirls Close Regular Season With Two Losses

WARNER – Connors State closed out the regular season with a doubleheader loss to Seminole State Thursday night on Sophomore Night, falling 8-3 in nine innings of the first game and 8-0 in the nightcap.

Connors closes the regular season24-26 and 13-15 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

In the first contest Connors and Seminole were tired 3-3 until the ninth inning when the Belles struck for five runs to get the win. The Cowgirls had opportunities to win the ball game in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings but had runners thrown out at home plate each time.

Jerelyn Long took the loss in relief for the Cowgirls. Brandi Schueler led the hitting attack with a3-for-5 performance at the plate with Baile Neel 2-for-5 and Paige Boling 2-for-5.

The nightcap was all Seminole as the Belles scored 6 runs in the first two innings as Jordan Jones took the loss.  Cowgirls hitting attack was led by Kenna McCoy who had two hits.

Cowgirls, NOC-Tonkawa Split Doubleheader

TONKAWA – Connors State split an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twinbill with Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, losing the opener 6-5 in nine innings and taking the night cap 10-2 in a run-rule six inning contest.

The Cowgirls close out the regular season on Sophomore Night Thursday at Warner against Seminole State at 4 and 6 p.m. in a doubleheader. Connors enters the final game with a 24-24 season mark and 13-13 OCAC record.

Connors pounded out 27 base hits in the two games with Ashley Dunigan leading the hitting attack with a 5-for-6 hitting performance. Dunigan also established a school record in stolen bases, stealing three, for a season total of 48 snapping the previous mark of 44 held by Cassie Tipton in 1996.

In the opener the Cowgirls held a two-run lead, 5-3 in the ninth; however, the Lady Mavericks scored three in the half of the ninth to take the victory. Lauren Robertson scattered 8 hits and struck out 8 in taking the loss.

Cowgirls got home runs from Brandi Schueler her eighth of the season and Blaine Matheson connected on her second of the year.

In the night cap Jordan Jones tossed a two hitter and had five strikeouts to get the win. Balie Neel led the attack with three base hits and Dunigan had two hits.

Carl Albert Ends Cowgirls Winning Streak

POTEAU –Connors State Cowgirls four-game winning streak was snapped with a doubleheader loss to Carl Albert State College 11-3 and 2-1 in 8 innings Saturday in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Cowgirls are now 23-23 for the season and 12-12 in OCAC play will travel to Tonkawa on Wednesday play Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa. Cowgirls pounded out 16 hits in the twin bill, but left 11 base runners.

Carl Albert took a 1-0 lead in the first and scored 6 in the second inning for a 7-0 advantage and put the game away. Cowgirls Paige Boling had a 2-run RBI base hit in the fifth to make it 7-2 and added a run in the sixth on a Lauren Pittman RBI. Lauren Robertson took the loss for Connors.

Connors fell in the night cap in the eighth inning of a pass ball. Jordan Jones went the distance for CSC and took the loss.

Carl Albert took a 1-0 lead in the fourth before the Cowgirls tied the game in the sixth inning.

Ashley Dunigan, Pittman and Candace Kellar each had two hits in the game.

Cowgirls Sweep NOC-Tonkawa; Extend Winning Streak

Connors State Cowgirls extended its winning streak to four games with a doubleheader sweep of Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa 4-3, 6-0 Thursday in a pair of Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball games.

Connors improves to 23-21 for the year and 12-10 in league play. The Cowgirls next play on Saturday at Carl Albert State College in Poteau in an OCAC twin bill.

Lauren Robertson scattered four hits in taking the win inside the circle in the opener as the Cowgirls jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning.

BaIie Neel was hit by a pitch followed by a Lauren Pittman single. Neel and Pittman were scored on a double by Jerelyn Long.

The Lady Mavericks tied the game at 2-all in the fifth inning and took the lead in the sixth inning, 3-2.

Connors regained the lead in their half of the sixth inning. Neel and Brandi Schueler each had back to back base hits to open the sixth, Pittman followed with a two-run RBI base hit.

Jordan Jones took the win in the second game, scattering four hits in going the distance. Cowgirls took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Ashley Dunigan reached on a base hit and Bailey sent Dungun home on a base hit. Schueler then doubled home Bailey.

Connors upped its lead to 4-0 in the fourth on a solo home run by Blaine Matheson, her first of the season. Neel then collected an RBI single scoring Dunigan, who had walked and stole second and third base. Dunigan finished with 5 stolen bases in the twin bill.

It was 6-0 Cowgirls in the sixth inning when Robertson and Long were driven home on a double by Summer Cunningham.

Cowgirls Sweep Murray State

Connors State Cowgirls swept visiting Murray State 12-2 and 4-3 Monday in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball doubleheader Monday. The Cowgirls are now 21-21 on the year and 10-10 in OCAC play.

Lauren Robertson with the aid of 13 base hits recorded the win inside the circle to run rule the Aggies. Cowgirls led 4-2 after the first inning and added four runs in the second and fourth to put the game away.

Brandi Schueler and Paige Boling led the hitting attack with three hits each. Boling also collected four RBIs. Kenna McCoy and Robertson each had two hits.

In the second game Jordan Jones was the winning pitcher going 4 1/3 innings. Jerelyn Long relieved going 2 2/3 innings.

Connors took a 2-0 lead in the first and added two more in the third. Murray scored its three runs in the fourth.

Ashley Dunigan led the hitting attack going 2-for-3 and scored twice.

The Cowgirls return to action Thursday at home against Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa at 2 p.m.

Cowgirls Lose Two Heartbreakers to Seminole State

Seminole, Okla. –Connors State sustained two heartbreaking losses Thursday, falling to Seminole State 5-4 and 3-2 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference action on the Belles home diamond.

The double header losses give the Cowgirls a 19-21 season record and 8-10 in OCAC play. Connors will travel to Tonkawa on Saturday to battle Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa in an OCAC doubleheader.

Connors State pounded out 25 base hits in the doubleheader. Lauren Robertson took the loss for the Cowgirls in the opener and Jerelyn Long in the nightcap.

In the first game Connors held a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Summer Cunningham.  The Belles answered in their half of the seventh with a 2-run walk-off home run for the victory.

Cowgirls’ Ashley Dunnigan was perfect at the plate getting four hits in four appearances in the first game. Paige Boling and Long had two hits each.

In the second game the Cowgirls tied the game in the seventh frame 2-2, on a 2-run RBI double by Baile Neel. In Seminole’s seventh Cowgirls’ Long walked in the winning run with two outs.

Cowgirls Earn Split with Crowder

NEOSHO, Mo. – Connors State split a non-conference softball twin bill with Crowder Community College on the road Wednesday, winning the opener 3-2 and losing the nightcap 4-2.

The doubleheader split leaves the Cowgirls 19-19 on the year as they return to Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Thursday at Seminole State.

Connors Lauren Robertson took the win in the opener and Jordan Jones sustained the loss in the second game.

Cowgirls jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on RBI singles by Lauren Pittman and Brandi Schueler, who plated Paige Boling and Kenna McCoy. Cowgirls made it 3-0 in the third when Schueler collected her second RBI of the day when she sent Kellar home. Schueler was 2-for-4 in the game.

It was Robertson’s third consecutive win as she scattered 8 hits. Balie Neel, Pittman and Schueler each had two hits in the game.

In the second game, Connors scored two runs in the first inning when Neel plated both runs on a double. Connors stranded 8 runners in the game and committed four errors. Jordan took the loss giving up 7 hits, as only one Crowder run was earned.

Cowgirls Sweep Rose State

WARNER –Connors State behind the pitching of Lauren Robertson and Jerelyn Long, the Cowgirls swept Rose State 2-0 and 6-3 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill Tuesday on CSC’s home field

The doubleheader victory puts the Cowgirls at 18-18 for the season and 9-7 in OCAC play. Cowgirls will travel to Missouri on Wednesday to play a doubleheader at Crowder College.

In the opener Connors took a 1-0 lead when Balie Neel, who went 2-for-3 in the game, knocked home Paige Boling in the second inning.

Connors made it 2-0 in the fifth inning when Summer Cunningham’s sacrifice fly scored Neel.

Robertson scattered five hits in going the distance (7 innings).

In the nightcap Long also went the distance in getting the win. The Cowgirls scored three runs in the first inning, added two more in the fourth for a 5-0 advantage and added a single run in the sixth.

Connors pounded out 10 hits in the second game with Cunningham, Boiling, and (2 RBIs), Candace Kellar, Brandi Schueler and Long (2 RBIs) all recorded two base hits each.

Two Home Runs Lift Cowgirls Over NEO in Nightcap

MIAMI, Okla. – Connors State with the aid of two home runs in the nightcap, split an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference  softball clash with Northeastern A&M Monday on the Lady Norse home field. NEO won the opener 7-0 and the Cowgirls took a 7-5 win in the second game.

The Cowgirls are now 16-18 for the year and 8-8 in OCAC action. Connors will host Rose State at 2 p.m. Tuesday on the Warner campus.

Paige Boling put the Cowgirls on the scoreboard in the third inning of the night cap with a 2-run homer, her eighth of the season. Connors then added two more runs in the fifth inning to tie NEO at 4-4.

In the seventh with two outs and two on, Cowgirls’ Jerelyn Long hit a 3-run homer for the 7-4 lead. NEO then added a run in the last of the seventh.

CSC’s Lauren Robertson was the winning pitcher, scattering 6; hits and is 8-9 on the season.

In the opener NEO scored seven runs in the second inning as Jordan Jones took the loss in the circle.

Cowgirls Rained Out

Miami, Okla. –Connors State Cowgirls Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball game with Northeastern A&M on Saturday was postponed due to inclement weather.

The doubleheader has been rescheduled for 4 p.m. Monday on the Lady Norse home field. Cowgirls enter the game with a 15-15 record on the year and 7-7 in OCAC play.

Western State Sweeps Cowgirls

Connors State fell to Western State twice, 4-1 and 4-0 in nine innings in the nightcap Thursday afternoon on the Cowgirls softball field in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader.

The twin bill loss left the Cowgirls 15-17 on the season and 7-7 in OCAC play. The Cowgirls will battle Northeastern A&M on Saturday in an OCAC doubleheader at 2 p.m.

In the opener the Cowgirls trailed the Lady Pioneers 2-0 entering the fourth inning slicing the Western lead to 2-1 when Lauren Pittman scored on an RBI single by Candace Kellar. Western added two runs in the sixth on a two-run homer for the 4-1 final. Jordan Jones pitched for the Cowgirls and took the loss.

In the nightcap the two teams battled to a 0-0 deadlock after nine innings of play. Cowgirls’ Jerelyn Long pitched eight innings of shutout softball in the circle before being relieved by Lauren Pittman who took the loss.

Western State scored four runs in the top of the ninth to get the victory.

Cowgirls Capture Split with Eastern State

WILBURTON – Connors State behind the suburb pitching of Lauren Robertson and two home runs, the Cowgirls earned a split with Eastern State College in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader Thursday afternoon.

Connors won the night cap 2-1 in eight innings on solo home runs by Emily Ware, her first of the season and Balie Neel, her second of the year. The Cowgirls lost the opener 3-1.

Cowgirls are now 16-16 on the season and will next play Western State College on April 5^th in Warner.

Mountaineers held a 1-0 lead entering the fifth inning of the second game when Ware connected on her homer to tie the game at 1-1. Then in the 8^th frame Neel’s blast gave the Cowgirls the win.

In the opener the Cowgirls took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Candace Keller doubled and scored on a Jessica Dacus single. Eastern tied the game their half of the first and added single runs in the third and fifth innings.

Jordan Jones who struck out six Eastern batters, but the Cowgirls who had 9 base hits, could not push across any runs.

Crowder Sweeps Cowgirls

Crowder Community College swept Connors State in a softball twin bill Wednesday afternoon on the Cowgirls home field, as the Roughriders posted an 8-0 win in the opener and 7-3 victory in the nightcap.

The Cowgirls now 14-14 on the season returns to Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Thursday, battling Eastern State College in a doubleheader at Wilburton.

Cowgirls collected 8 hits in the opener but could now push any runs across the plate. Jordan Jones took the loss inside the circle and she is now 8-6 for the season. Crowder scored 3 in the first and added two more in the second inning for an early 5-0 margin the Cowgirls got not overcome.

Paige Boling and Summer Cunningham had two hits each in the loss.

In the second game Connors and Crowder were deadlocked 1-1 after the first inning, before Crowder stretched its lead to 6-1. The Cowgirls had nine hits in the game, two each by Brandi Shueler and Boling.

Cowgirls Sweep Carl Albert in Softball Twin Bill

Connors State swept Carl Albert State College 5-1 and 8-5 in softball play Tuesday afternoon on the Cowgirls home field to improve their record to 14-12 on the season.

Cowgirls will next play Crowder Community College Wednesday at 3 p.m. in a Cancer Awareness contest, where everyone is encouraged to wear pink.

Cowgirls Jordan Jones tossed a 6-hitter with 4 strikeouts in upping her record inside the circle to 8-5 for the year in the opener. Connors struck for four runs in the first inning and was never contested the rest of the game.

Leading the hitting attack was Jerelyn Long going 2-for-3 and Lauren Pittman was 2-for-3 at the plate.

In the second game the Cowgirls’ Balie Neel broke a 5-5 tie in the sixth inning with a 3-run home run with two outs. It was her first home run of the season. Neel pounded out hits in the game, which included the home run and a double. Ashley Dunigan collected two base hits and had three stolen bases. Also pounding out two base hits were Paige Boling, two RBIs and Brandi Schueler.

Connors broke out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning before the Vikings came back to tie the game in the sixth inning. Jerelyn Long came in relief to get the win for the Cowgirls.

Cowgirls Split Twin Bill in Texas

GALVESTON, TEXAS –Connors State traveled across the Red River and split a softball twin bill with Galveston Community College 9-7 in eight innings and 12-7 Monday afternoon.

The Cowgirls are now 12-12 for the year and their scheduled game on Tuesday with Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, on Tuesday has been cancelled due to the threat of inclement weather. Connors will next play on Tuesday at home in a doubleheader with Carl Albert State College.

Lauren Robertson was the pitcher of record in both games losing and winning in the circle. Brandi Schueler had the big bat on the day connecting for two home runs and was 3-for-4 at the plate in the opener.

Connors jumped out to a 6-0 lead after five innings before Galveston came back with five runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth for a 7-6 advantage. The Cowgirls tied the game in the seventh inning at 7-7 before getting the win in the eighth on a Paige Boling double scoring Lauren Pittman who had reached on a walk.

In the nightcap Galveston took a 6-0 lead to open the game. Connors came back with three in the first cutting the Texans lead to 6-3. Galveston struck for five more runs in the second for an 11-3 lead.

Cowgirls added a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth on Schueler’s second homer of the day making it 11-6. Galveston added its final run in the fifth for a 12-7 win.

Cowgirls Split Doubleheader With Rose State

MIDWEST CITY – Connors State split a softball twin bill with Rose State Wednesday afternoon taking the opener 6-3 and losing the nightcap 6-3

Cowgirls are now 11-11 for the year and will next play Galveston Community College in Texas on March 19.

Connors pounded out 27 base hits in the doubleheader but could not push runners home with timely base hits. Cowgirls pitchers held Rose State to eight base hits in the twin bill. All-American Paige Boling led the Cowgirls hitting attack with a 5-for-7 hitting performance on the day.

In the first game home runs by Lauren Pittman, her 7^th of the season and Summer Cunningham, who hit her fourth on the year, gave the Cowgirls the win. Jordan Jones started in the circle before being relieved by Jerelyn Long in the seventh, who earned her fourth save. Jones earned the victory.

In the second game the Cowgirls errors cost them the game as they trailed 4-3 in the sixth inning as Rose state pushed across two runs in the sixth on an error to secure the win. Connors could not rally in the seventh as Lauren Robertson took the loss.

Bailie Neel led the Cowgirls hitting with two base hits and two RBIs. Brandi Schueler connected on her third home run in the fourth inning.

Cowgirls Win 2-of-3 at Midwest Festival

TULSA –Connors State pounded out 32 base hits en route to a 2-1 record in the Midwest Classic Softball Festival at Arrowhead Park Saturday afternoon.

Cowgirls defeated Ellsworth, Kan., Community College 7-3 before losing the second game to Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa 5-4 in 8 innings, and closing out the day with a 7-0 win over Independence Community College.

Connors is now 10-10 on the season and will play three more games in the Festival Sunday weather permitting. Cowgirls are scheduled to play Allen County, Kan., Labette County, Kan. and Crowder, Mo.

Jordan Jones struck out 11 in the win over Ellsworth with Lauren Pittman going 2-for-3 at the plate, which included two home runs. She hit a grand slam in the fourth and a solo shot in the sixth for five runs-batted-in.  She has 6 homers for the season.

Baile Neel went 2-for-four at the plate and Brandi Schueler was 2-for-3.

Against NOC-Tonkawa Jones took the loss in relief. Jones was the third pitcher for the Cowgirls in the game; she took over for Jerelyn Long. Jones allowed just one hit in two innings in the circle.

Leading the hitting attack for CSC was Paige Boling, who hit a home run, her fourth of the year; Lauren Pittman added to her home run total on the day, her fifth of the season. Trinity Busby went 2-for-4 at the plate.

Jones struck out 10 against Independence, for her second win of the day in the circle. She had 21 strike outs in her three appearances and is 5-3 for the season.

Summer Cunningham blasted her third home run of the year, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Paige Boling also homered, a 3-run shot, her fifth of the year. Ashley Dunigan had two hits in three appearances and Brandi Schueler was 3-or-4.

Dunigan also had a great day on the base path with seven stolen bases and now has 30 on the year.

Cowgirls Resume Play Softball Play Saturday

Connors State softball team will return to action Saturday in the Midwest Classic at Arrowhead Park in Tulsa after Friday’s home game with Marshalltown, Iowa, was rained out.

The Cowgirls enter the classic with a 7-8 record open the two-day classic Saturday at 9 a.m. against Midland, Texas, followed with a 1 p.m. clash with Northern-Tonkawa and a 6 p.m. game with Independence Community College.

Sunday the Cowgirls will go against Lebette, Kan., Community College at 11 a.m. followed by a 3 p.m. encounter with Allen County Community College of Kansas and a finale at 5 p.m. with Crowder Community College.

Cowgirls, Murray State Split Twin Bill

Connors split a softball twin bill with Murray State Wednesday, losing the opener 6-5 and in the second game dropped the Aggies 3-0 in eight innings in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

Cowgirls are now 8-9 on the season and will step out of OCAC play on Thursday to play Marshalltown, Iowa, at Warner at 3 p.m.

In the nightcap Jordan Jones went the distance for the Cowgirls, striking out eight in recording here fourth win of the season.

In the eighth inning, Ashley Dunigan connected on her fifth hit of the doubleheader to open the frame. She stole second base, her third stolen base in the twin bill. She then moved to third on a ground out.

Jones helped here won cause with a two-run blast over the left field wall, giving the Cowgirls a 2-0 lead.  Brandi Schueler then blasted a solo shot over the wall for the 3-0 final.

The opener was all Murray as the Lady Aggies jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. The Cowgirls got on the scoreboard with one run in the third and two more in the top of the fifth to tie the game. Connors’ Paige Boling and Balie Neel drove home the Cowgirls runs.

However, the Lady Aggies scored three times in their half of the fifth to get the win. Connors made a run at the Aggies in the seventh on back-to-back base hits by Summer Cunningham and Dunigan. Neel moved them both to third base with two outs.  Jerelyn Long then hit a ball up the middle that was caught for the final out. She took the loss in the circle for the Cowgirls.

Cowgirls’ Boling, Dunigan, Neel and Cunningham all had two hits in the loss.

Northeastern A&M Sweeps Cowgirls

Connors State was their own worst enemy in a twin bill against Northeastern A&M Tuesday afternoon on the Cowgirls home diamond in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

The Cowgirls committed nine errors in the doubleheader, losing twice, falling 3-1 to the Lady Norse in opener in 8 innings and 4-1 in the nightcap. The Cowgirls are now 7-8 on the season heading into a doubleheader at Murray State in Tishomingo on Wednesday.

In the opener Jordan Jones took the loss giving up back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning. She is now 3-3 in the circle this season. She recorded five strike outs against NEO batters.

Cowgirls trailed 1-0 going into the sixth inning when CSC’s Ashley Dunigan blasted a two-out double and then stole third.  She came home on a base hit by Paige Boling to tie the game. NEO then won the game with two solo homers in the eighth inning.

In the nightcap Lauren Robertson took the loss for the Cowgirls in the circle. She is now 3-3 on the year.

Northeastern A&M jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning before the Cowgirls scored a run in the fifth inning.

Dunigan knocked out a base hit, and then stole second base. She came home on an RBI single by Paige Boling.

The Lady Norse then added one more run in the sixth inning for the 4-1 win. Connors left the bases loaded in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings in the nightcap, scoring only once.

Connors managed only seven base hits in the double header.

Cowgirls, Western State Split Doubleheader

ALTUS—Connors State split an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill with Western State Saturday afternoon, losing the first game 3-2 in 11 innings and taking the nightcap 6-1

Cowgirls are now 7-6 on the season and will play Northeastern A&M at home Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. in a twin bill.

Connors’ Jordan Jones  went just one inning in the circle and took the loss. She was relieved by Lauren Robertson, who went nine innings for no decision. The Cowgirls hitting attack was led by Ashley Dunigan, and Paige Boling with two hits each.

In the night cap Jones got the win, as she went five innings before Jerelyn Long took over. Dunigan, Lauren Pittman and Trinity Busby and Emily Wares each collected two hits in the win.

Cowgirls Lose Heartbreaker to Eastern State

Wilburton—Connors State sustained a heartbreaking 68-67 loss to Eastern State on the Lady Mountaineers home floor in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference contest.

The Cowgirls will enter the Region II Tournament next week at Shawnee with a 17-12 season record and 10-8 OCAC mark. Eastern completes the regular season 4-14 and 9-19.

Cowgirls held a 39-32 lead at the break but saw it slowly slip away in the final 20 minutes of play. Eastern’s zone defense shut down the Cowgirls scoring attack as they missed open shots down the stretch.

Tiffanie Abrams led the Cowgirls scoring attack with 16 points with Nikki Lewis adding 13 followed by Kaila Crawford and Tiara Hall with 9 points each. Taylor Lloyd and Tonisha Dean scored 5 points each.

Ashlei Goree led the Eastern scoring attack with 26 points.

The Cowgirls, the fifth seed in the Region II Tournament will play Murray State on Thursday at Shawnee at a time to be determined.

Cowgirls Sweep Twin Bill from Eastern State

 Connors State swept a softball twin bill from Eastern State 11-5 and 6-5 Thursday afternoon on the Cowgirls home field.

Cowgirls improved their season record to 6-5 for the year and 2-0 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Connors will travel to Altus, Okla. on Saturday to play Western State in an OCAC doubleheader.

Connors used four home runs to dispose of the Lady Mountaineers, two each by Summer Cunningham and Lauren Pittman.

In the opening game Connors broke a 4-4 deadlock in the fifth inning with a 3-run explosion and adding four more in the sixth to seal the win.  Lauren Pittman, Brandi Schueler and Baile Neel each collected three hits, with Ashley Dunnigan and Jerelyn Long getting two hits each.

Pittman and Cunningham each hit home runs in the sixth inning. Jordan Jones went four innings inside the circle, but did not get the decision with Long picking up the win in relief.

In the nightcap Connors snapped a 5-5 tie in the bottom of the sixth inning to put away the Lady Mountaineers on a solo home run by Cunningham. Laurent Robertson went the distance on the mound to get the win in the circle.

Pittman, Schueler, Paige Boling each had two hits in the victory. Pittman connected for her third homerun and Cunningham had her second of the season.

Cowgirls Snare Two Wins at Murray Tournament

TISHOMINGO – Connors State pounded out 32 base hits in winning two-of-three games in the Murray State Invitational softball tournament Saturday, improving the Cowgirls season record to 4-5.

Cowgirls defeated Phillips, Texas,College 10-2, and Murray State 7-4 before falling to North Central Texas 7-2. Connors returns to action on Wednesday, playing host to Eastern State at 2 p.m.

Jordan Jones collected the win inside the circle for the Cowgirls against Phillips College with All-American Paige Boling leading the hitting attack with a 3-for-3 appearance at the plate, which included two doubles. Brandi Schueler, Summer Cunningham, Jones, Ashley Dunigan and Balie Neel each had two hits. Schueler and Lauren Pittman each connected for a home run.

Against Murray State Lauren Robertson was the winning pitcher, with Dunigan and Boling leading the hitting attack with three hits each. Boiling connected for her second home run of the season against Murray.

Cowgirls held a 3-2 lead over North Central Texas going into the seventh inning before the Texans exploded for five runs to get the win. Jones took the loss for the Cowgirls with Kenna McCoy the top Connors batter with two hits.

Cowgirls Lose Twice at Murray Tournament

TISHOMINGO – Connors Cowgirls sustained two losses in the opening day of the Murray State Invitational softball tournament Friday.

Cowgirls fell to Paris, Texas 16-2 and Northeast Texas handed Connors an 8-7 loss. Connors is now 2-4 on the year and will play three games in the tournament on Saturday.

Lauren Robertson took the loss in the opener and came in relief in the second game, also taking the loss.

Cowgirls’ Jerleyn Long hit her first home run of the season in the opening game.

CSC to Establish Athletic Hall of Fame

Connors State College will induct its first Athletic Hall of Fame class in October, announced Connors State Athletic Director and head basketball coach Bill Muse.

“We are very excited about establishing our Athletic Hall of Fame with athletes who excelled in athletics both on and off the playing fields at Connors State College,” said Muse. “This is an exciting time for Connors State and we are looking forward to our first induction in October.

“The Connors State Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that can be bestowed on a Cowboy and Cowgirl that participated in athletics. We are asking all former athletes and individuals, who coached, played, participated and were fans of Connors State sports, to make nominations for the first class,” said Muse.

Nominations can be made to CSC Athletic Director Bill Muse by clicking on the form on the athletic web site under Hall of Fame at Connorsathletics.com and sending it electronically or mailing the form to Bill Muse at Connors State College, Route 1, Box 1000 Warner, Okla. 74469-9700. All nominations must be received by July 15th.

A committee will be established to determine the inductees and the number to be accepted into the Hall of Fame each year.

Nominees must be persons of outstanding quality, high moral character, and fine leadership ability and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches and former athletes. Nominations may be made any anyone.

Those inducted into the Connors State Athletic Hall of Fame will be honored at an October banquet.

“This will be an annual event at Connors and one that any former Cowboy or Cowgirl will cherish for a lifetime,” said Muse.

Cowgirls Split Twin Bill with Independence

 Connors State College played host to Independence Community College Sunday afternoon in a softball doubleheader and the Cowgirls split the twin bill with the Pirates, winning the opening game 5-1 and losing the second game 5-4.

Connors is now 2-2 on the season and returns to action on Friday at the Murray State tournament in Tishomingo, playing Paris, Texas and Northeast Texas Community College.

Connors State All-American Paige Boling led the Cowgirls hitting attack on the day with three hits and plating four runs in the doubleheader. Candace Kellar had two base hits.

Independence jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning of the opening game on two costly errors by the Cowgirls. Connors came back with two runs in the fourth when Ashley Dunigan walked, stole second and moved to third base on a sacrifice by Brandi Schuler. Boling was walked and Lauren Pittman scored Dunigan on a single to tie the game. Kenna McCoy then gave the Cowgirls the lead scoring Boling for a 2-1 Connors lead.

Connors increased its lead to 5-1 with three runs in the fifth inning. Kellar doubled with one out and Dunigan reached base on an error as Kellar advanced to third base. Schueler then singled home Kellar followed by Boling’s two-run RBI base hit for the 5-1 Connors lead.

Lauren Robertson pitched five innings for the Cowgirls to get her first win of the year, giving up two base hits, striking out five. Jerelyn Long pitched the final two innings to get the save, allowing one hit, striking out two.

In the nightcap Independence took advantage of Connors errors for a 1-0 lead in the first frame. Connors came back in their half of the first to tie the game.

Dunigan reached safely on a single, Boling was walked and Dunigan scored on a pass ball following a CSC base hit. Cowgirls took the lead in the second inning when Jessica Dacus doubled to open the inning and scored on Summer Cunningham’s double off the wall for a 2-1 CSC lead.

Independence regained the lead with two unearned runs in the fourth for a 3-2 lead.  Boling then connected on her first home run of the season in the sixth inning. The Pirates came back with two runs in the seventh for a 5-3 advantage.

In the last of the seventh Connors' Dacus opened with a double and Kellar sent Dacus home with a double making it 5-4, as the Cowgirls stranded Kellar at second base with the tying run.

Jordan Jones started inside the circle for Connors and was replaced by Long, who took the loss and is now 1-1 on the season.

Cowgirls Get Split in Season Opening Doubleheader

MT. PLEASANT, TEXAS – Connors State Cowgirls opened the 2012 softball season by splitting a doubleheader with Northeast Texas Community College on Saturday afternoon.

The Cowgirls lost the opener 3-2 and took the nightcap 6-2.

 Four errors and 9 runners left on base cost the Cowgirls in the opener. Jordan Jones took the loss for CSC inside the circle, giving up just 3 hits, walking one and striking out one.

Jerelyn Long won the nightcap going three innings, not allowing a hit. Lauren Robertson pitched the final four innings to get the save.

Connors pounded out 11 hits in the second game with Ashley Dunigan leading the Cowgirls hitting attack, going 3-for-4, with Candace Kellar and Brandi Schueler each pounding out two hits in three appearances.

Cowgirls scored in the first inning when Schueler singled home Dunigan, who had singled and stole second base. Connors added two more runs in the third. Balie Neel singled, moved to second on a sacrifice fly by Long. Neel scored on a two-out base hit by Paige Boling for a 2-0 Connors lead. Dunigan then made it 3-0 when she scored on a passed ball.

In the fourth it was 4-0 Connors when Jessica Dacus plated Lauren Pittman. Northeast Texas scored twice in the sixth inning slicing Connors lead to 4-2. The Cowgirls added two more runs in the seventh for the 6-2 final.

In the opener the Cowgirls scored when Dacus drove home Boling in the second inning, who had reached on a single. Connors final run came in the fourth on an RBI single by Kellar, scoring Schueler, who had doubled.

The Cowgirls return to action next Saturday and Sunday playing in the Carl Albert State College Invitational in Poteau.

Softball Signs Four More Players for Next Fall

Connors State College softball coach Rick Carbone has announced the signing of four more high school players to National Junior College Athletic Association letters-of-intent.

Joining the Cowgirls next fall from Colbert High School are Alixes Olguin, outfielder; McKenzie Marshall, outfielder, first baseman; Taylor Reeve, shortstop and Danielle Bear a first baseman from Henryetta.

 “All four of the young ladies will contribute to our program,” Said Carbone. “They are outstanding players and excellent students.”

Cowgirls Open 2012 Season on Road

Connors State Cowgirls open the 2012 softball season Friday at Longview, Texas, at the Northeast Texas Invitational tournament.

The tournament features a field of nine teams, Northeast Texas Community College, Eastern State College, Angelina, Texas, College, Carl Albert State College, Lamar, Texas, State College, North Central, Texas College, Cisco, Texas, College and Ranger, Texas, College.

The Cowgirls are coming off a 37-35 record that reached the finals of the Region II Tournament.

Connors will open play Friday with three games beginning at 2 p.m. against Cisco, and then battling Ranger at 4 p.m. and Northeast Texas Community College at 6 p.m.

Saturday the Cowgirls will play North Central College at 11:30 a.m. and Lamar State College at 2 p.m.

Nine Sign to Play Softball for Cowgirls

Connors State College softball coach Rick Carbone has announced the signing of nine high school players to National Junior College Athletic Association letters-of-intent.

Joining the Cowgirls on the diamond next fall are  Sam Perry a shortstop/ outfielder from Pryor, Rikki Wooten, shortstop/outfielder from McLoud, Amanda O’Neal, outfielder from McLoud; Jessica Christian, a pitcher from Liberty Mounds; outfielder Jenna Reed of Tahlequah; Chelsie Drew a utility player from Vian; infielder Kail Romine, catcher Erin Isham from Hilldale and pitcher Caitlyn Craig of Fort Gibson.

“I believe we have signed some quality players who can come in and help us immediately,” said Carbone. “They all will provide a lot of depth to our team, which we feel can be outstanding.

“All of these players have the potential to play at the next level in a couple of years,” said Carbone.

Softball Alumni Game in October

WARNER – Connors State Cowgirls softball coach Rick Carbone announced that the annual softball alumni game will be held on Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. on the Warner campus.

All former Cowgirls softball player are encouraged to contact Carbone at (918) 463-6291 or (918) 869-2859 to participate in the game.

Cowgirls' Boiling Named All-American

I

WARNER – Connors State College’s freshman outfielder Paige Boiling, has been named third team National Junior College Athletic Association All-American, it was announced Monday.

Boiling, who hit .420 with 11 home runs and collected 42 RBIs, was instrumental in leading the Cowgirls to a 37-35 record and the finals of the Region II championship game.

“Paige did an outstanding job for us all season and really took off during the playoffs,” said Cowgirls head coach Rick Carbone. “She is very deserving of this honor and is the 11^th Cowgirl to be named All-American.

“We expect big things from her next year and will provide us some great leadership.”

Boiling was one of only two players named to the NJCAA All-American team from the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference. Boiling was also a first team All-OCAC first team selection.

Cowgirls bid for College World Series Falls Short

OKLAHOMA CITY –Connors Cowgirls’ quest for their second trip to the NJCAA Softball College World Series fell short Sunday afternoon at Hall of Fame Stadium.

The Cowgirls defeated Western State 9-1 to reach the championship round and then defeated unbeaten Northeastern A&M in the tournament 6-4 setting the stage for a second game and a trip to St. George, Utah for the College World Series on May 19th.

However, the Lady Norse rallied to defeat the Cowgirls 10-5 and end their season. The Cowgirls won 6-of-7 games in the Region II to reach the championship game.

The Cowgirls jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second game on a RBI single by Lauren Pittman. NEO tied the game at 1-all in their half of the first before the Cowgirls regain the lead 2-1 in the second on a bases loaded walk to Hannah Hamilton, that forced-in a run.

Northeastern A&M regained the lead 3-2 in third and made it 4-2 in the fourth inning.

Connors regained the lead 5-4 in the fourth inning on a bases clearing double. NEO then struck for five runs in the fifth inning and added another in the seventh of the 10-5 final.

Connors State completes the year 35-36.

Cowgirls Win Two More in Region II Tournament

OKLAHOMA CITY – Connors Cowgirls rallied twice Saturday to advance to the championship round of the NJCAA Region II Softball Tournament at Hall of Fame Stadium.

The Cowgirls playing in the elimination bracket defeated Rose State 7-3 in nine innings and then knocked off Carl Albert Community College 6-5.

The Cowgirls will play Western State at 2 p.m. Sunday. Western State fell to Northeastern A&M. Northeastern A&M is undefeated in the tournament.

A Cowgirls win over Western would then advance them to play NEO at 4 p.m. followed by a 6 p.m. game if the Cowgirls defeat NEO.

The winner of the Region II Tournament advances to the Softball College World Series in St. George, Utah, May 19-21,

Cowgirls Still Alive in Region II Tournament

Connors State Cowgirls remain alive in the Region II Softball Tournament defeating Eastern State in the opener 4-3 before losing to No. 1 seed Northeastern A&M 3-2 at Hall of Fame Stadium at Oklahoma City.

The fifth-seeded Cowgirls will have to fight their way back through the losers bracket to reach the championship game on Sunday.

The Cowgirls will play Rose State at 11 a.m. Saturday in an elimination game. A win will put them in a 3 p.m. game against the winner of Carl Albert and Northern-Tonkawa.

The remaining teams in the winners bracket are Northeastern A&M and Western State.

Cowgirls to Play Eastern State in Region II Tournament

Connors State Cowgirls received the fifth-seed in the Region Tournament that begins Friday at Amateur Softball Association Stadium in Oklahoma City.

The Cowgirls (28-30) will play Eastern State at 1 p.m. Friday. Connors State will then play at 5:30 p.m. Friday win or lose against either Northeastern A&M or Northern-Tonkawa.

Cowgirls outfielder Paige Boiling was named to the Region II first team. Shortstop Lauren Pittmen was named to the second team.

Outfielder Hanna Hamilton and catcher Alyx Solo were named honorable mention.

The semifinals of the Region Tournament will be held Saturday and the championship game on Sunday in Oklahoma City.

Cowgirls Split With Northern-Tonkawa

The Cowgirls split a twin bill with Northern-Tonkawa on Thursday winning the first game 5-3 and falling in the second game 9-3 at Tonkawa.

The Cowgirls are now 30-34 entering the season finale on Sunday, a 2 p.m. clash against Seminole State at 2 p.m. at Warner.

Hayley Jaynes took the win in the opener to even her pitching record to 13-13 on the season. Errors cost the Cowgirls in the night cap as Jordan Jones too loss, she is now 7-5 for the season.

Cowgirls Fall to Rose State Twice

Connors Cowgirls lost a twin bill to Rose State Tuesday, falling 7-2 and 4-3 at Midwest City. The second game went nine innings.

The Cowgirls are scheduled to play a doubleheader at Northern Enid on Thursday.

Hayley Jaynes took the loss in the opener and she is now 12-14 on the season and Jordan Jones sustain the second game loss to drop to 7-4.

Jalie Neal drove in both runs in the opener with a double in the third inning. Lauren Pittman was 3-for-4 in the night cap an RBI while Susie Means was 2-for-3 and drove in two runs.

Cowgirls Split With Murray State

Connors State’s Jordan Jones fueled the Cowgirls offensive assault with two home runs in a doubleheader against Murray State, but it wasn’t enough as Cowgirls split with Murray State in Tishomingo Wednesday, losing the opener 3-2 and taking the nightcap 9-2.

The Cowgirls, who are now 28-29 overall and 9-10 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference action, will host Seminole State today at 2 p.m. in a doubleheader in the final home games of the season.

Trailing 3-0, Jones blasted a two-run homer in the fourth to slice the Aggies lead to 3-2. That was all the scoring for the Cowgirls as Hayley Jaynes took the loss and is now 12-14 on the year.

In the second game, Jaynes scattered four hits in getting the victory (13-14) while blasting her second home run of the season, a two-run shot.

Murray tied the game in the fourth before Ashley Ball hit her first homer and Lauren Pittman, her 10^th, both solo shots. The Cowgirls plated five home runs in the seventh.

Carl Albert Trims Cowgirls

Connors State Cowgirls fell to Carl Albert Community College twice 1-0 and 7-4 Monday at Poteau and are now 26-27 for the season.

In the opening game the Cowgirls left seven runners on base after giving up a run in the first inning. Hayley Jaynes went the distance inside the circle and is now 12-13 for the year. She allowed just two hits and struck out four.

Emily Ware had three hits and Rachel Criner added two in the loss.

In the nightcap Lauren Robertson took the loss in going the distance. She is now 7-6 on the year. The Vikings scored seven runs in the first inning.

Ashley Ball, Jackie Thurmond and Jalie Neal each had two hits for the Cowgirls, who stranded 11 base runners.

Cowgirls Lose Twice

Connors Cowgirls fell twice to Western State Thursday in Altus, losing to the Lady Pioneers 5-3 and 2-0 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

The Cowgirls are now 27-26 on the year and will play at Rose State Saturday at 2 p.m.

Hayley Jaynes went seven innings and took the loss and is now 12-12 on the season as she scattered three hits in the loss. Bailey Neel had two hits and scored one run, and Lauren Pittman had one RBI for the Cowgirls, which had four errors in the contest and managed only seven hits.
Jordan Jones and Lauren Robertson combined to pitch a no-hitter and eight strikeouts, but four errors in the second game cost the Cowgirls.

Jones (6-4) pitched five innings and gave up the two runs, Robertson pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

Cowgirls Split Doubleheader Against Western State

Connors State Cowgirls split an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference twin bill with Western State Tuesday at Warner, winning the opener 9-2 and falling in the second game 7-3

The Cowgirls are now 27-24 on the season and will take on the Pioneers again in a doubleheader at Western State on Thursday.

In the first game of the doubleheader Paige Boling connected for her 10^th home run of the season in the fifth inning, a two-run blast.

Alyx Sovo connected for two hit with four RBIs, with Hannah Hamilton rapping out two base hits and two RBIs and Bailey Neel plating a run with two hits.

Hayley Jaynes got the win in the circle and is now 12-11 on the year. She pitched seven innings, allowing six runs and struck out two Pioneers.

In the second game, errors proved costly for the Cowgirls, as Connors committed four miscues in the third inning resulting in four Pioneer runs.

Boiling knocked out her 11^th home run of the season in the fifth inning and Rachel Criner had two hits and scored a run.

Lauren Robertson took the loss and is now 7-7 in the circle as he gave up six runs on four hits and had two strikeouts.

Cowgirls Split with NEO

Connors State’s Hayley Jaynes tossed a two-hit shutout in the opening game of a doubleheader in posting a 2-0 victory over Northeastern A&M on Sunday. In the nightcap the Cowgirls fell 4-0 to the Lady Norse.

 Connors is now 25-23 heading into today’s game with Carl Albert at 2 p.m. at Poteau.

In the first game with NEO Alyx Solo blasted her fifth home run of the season in the second inning for a 1-0 Cowgirls lead over the Lady Norse.

Connors’ second run came on a bases loaded walk to Rachel Criner, which forced home Hannah Hamilton.

Hamilton and Paige Boling collected three hits each in six at bats in the twin bill.

Cowgirls Sweep Carl Albert

Connors Cowgirls swept visiting Carl Albert Community College Thursday, 13-0, and 6-0 at Warner. The doubleheader victories up the Cowgirls record to 23-21 for the season and 8-4 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. The sweep was Connors five straight victories.

The Cowgirls resume play Saturday with a doubleheader Saturday at Miami against Northeastern A&M. First pitch is schedule for 2 p.m.

In the opener Hayley Jaynes picked up the win inside the circle. She now has an 11-10 record as she had plenty of help as the Cowgirls jumped out to a 13-0 lead after two innings of play.

The offensive assault was led by Jalie Neal, Hannah Hamilton and Paige Boling with three hits each. Alyx and Jaynes collected two hits each, Alyx’s barrage included her fourth home run of the season and Hamilton knocked out her sixth of the year.

The second game belonged to Lauren Robertson as she is now 7-5 in the circle as Jordan Jones collected here third save.

Jackie Thurmond and Neal combined for five RBIs.

Cowgirls Sweep Murray State

Connors Cowgirls overpowered Murray State Tuesday in sweeping an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader from Murray State, 9-1 and 5-3 to even their season record at 21-21.

The Cowgirl will next play Thursday at home against Carl Albert Community College at 2 p.m. in Warner.

Connors pounded out five home runs in the wins over Murray State. Hannah Hamilton, Rachel Criner, Paige Boiling and Jessica Dacus each blasted a home run.

Criner led the hitting assault with two homers, one in each game and Hamilton had three hits and two RBIs, while scoring three runs. Boiling connected for her ninth homer of the season a two-run blast in the opener and Dacus homered in the nightcap.

Hayley Jaynes and Jordan Jones were the winning pitchers.

Cowgirls and NEO Split Twin Bill

Connors State Cowgirls and Northeastern A&M split a doubleheader in softball play Monday at Warner, as the Lady Norse took the opener 3-0 in 10 innings and the Cowgirls over powering NEO 8-6.

The Cowgirls now 19-21 will battle Murray State at home today.

In the first game Cowgirls’ Hayley Jaynes threw a no-hitter through six innings before giving up a three-run home run in the 10^th to fall to the Lady Norse. Haynes gave up just three hits in the 10-inning game, and had one of the Cowgirls four hits in the contest.

In the second game the Cowgirls’ Rachel Criner blasted a three-run homer in the fourth, her first of the year in taking the second game. Paige Boiling and Jaynes each had two hits with a RBI in the contest. .

Cowgirls Earn Split Against Rose State

Cowgirls earned a split with Rose State Thursday losing the first game of a doubleheader 10-4 and winning the second 4-2 to even their record on the season to 18-18.

Connors will resume play on Saturday with Eastern State on Saturday at home. First pitch is schedule for 1 p.m.

In the opener the Cowgirls pounded out seven base hits with Jessica Daicus leading the attack going 2-for-3, with Hannah Hamilton connecting on a 3-run home run, her third of the season.

Lauren Robertson took the loss inside the circle and is now 6-5 on the year. Robertson gave up eight hits with only two of her runs were earned allowed in going the distance.

Connors took a 3-0 lead in the second inning on back-to-back solo home runs by Lauren Pittman and Paige Boling. Both homers were their eighth of the year.

Cowgirls third run came on a Rachel Criner doubled, who then stole third and scored on Hayley Jaynes’ double.

Jaynes got the victory in the circle giving up just four hits in posting her 9^th win of the season against 8 losses.

Alabama Club Sweeps Cowgirls

Wallace (Ala.) State swept the Connors Cowgirls 9-4 and 3-0 in softball play Monday in Warner.

The Cowgirls with the twin bill loss evens their season record at 17-17 and will play on the road Tuesday against Rose State at 2 p.m. before taking on Texarkana in a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Warner on Thursday.

The Lady Lions broke a 4-4 tie in the sixth inning with a five-run burst in the final two innings.

Lauren Robertson took the loss inside the circle and is now 5-4. She gave up 9 runs on 8 hits, with 6 walks, while striking out four.

Emily Ware led the Cowgirls hitting attack with a two-run RBI double in the third. Connors stranded 10 runners, including the bases loaded in the first inning.

The Cowgirls had only three hits in the nightcap as Hayley Jaynes took the loss, falling to 7-9 on the year inside the circle. Jaynes gave up seven hits in the loss, while going the distance.

Cowgirls Earn Split With Eastern

Cowgirls’ Hannah Hamilton scored on a delayed steal in the first inning in the second game of a doubleheader against Eastern State for a 1-0 victory over the Lady Mountaineers to earn a split of a doubleheader Thursday at Wilburton.

Lauren Robertson (6-4) threw a four-hit shutout, striking out five.

Connors is now 16-14 on the year, resumes play Monday when it hosts Wallace State (Ala.) in a 2 p.m. doubleheader. Connors game with Eastern scheduled for Saturday in Warner has been moved to a week from Saturday due to Eastern’s participation in the Seminole tournament this weekend.

The Cowgirls lost the first game 2-1, despite some solid pitching in the circle.

Paige Boling doubled and scored on Alyx Sovo’s double for a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Eastern scored one in the third and another in fifth off Hayley Jaynes, who is now 8-7 inside the circle. Jaynes gave up six hits and two earned runs in going the distance.

Boling was 4-for-6 for the day, two hits in both games.

Cowgirls Fall, Rain Cancells Games

Connors State softball squad played in the Crowder Bash in Cartharge, Mo., over the weekend with five games scheduled, but only one game was played due to rain.

The Cowgirls played Indian Hills and were shut out 5-0 and are now 15-13 on the season overall and 2-0 in Region II play.

Connors resumes play Thursday at Eastern State and returns home on Saturday to play the Lady Mountaineers in a 2 p.m. clash.

Cowgirls Win 2-of-3 Games

The Cowgirls softball team posted a 2-1 record on Sunday in the Midwest Festival at Broken Arrow’s Arrowhead Field.

Connors State’s Emily Weire singled in a run, Rachel Criner had an RBI double and Alex Sovo’s sacrifice fly capped at three-run eighth inning in the Cowgirls 6-4 win over Garden City (Kan.) 6-4 on an international tiebreaker in the first game. Paige Boling went  2-for-5 for the Cowgirls at the plate.

The Cowgirls then defeated Neosho (Mo.) 7-6, rallying from a two-run deficit on a three-run home run by Lauren Pittman.

Connors fell to Northeastern A&M 12-4 in the final game.

 The Cowgirls resume play Saturday against Jefferson County Community College in Carthage, Mo.

Cowgirls Sweep Northern-Tonkawa

Connors State Cowgirls swept Northern-Tonkawa Mavericks 5-2 and 7-6 Thursday afternoon to improve to 11-11 for the season.

Paige Boling’s three-run home run in the seventh inning, her sixth of the season fueled the Cowgirls’ 5-2 win the the opener. Boling’s blast broke a 2-2 tie as she went 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Hannah Hamilton went 2-for-3 on the day at the plate.

Hailey Jaynes is now 5-5 for the season inside the circle, as she scattered six hits in going the distance.

In the nightcap,  Sabrina Valenzuela singled home  the winning run for the  7-6  victory. Ashley Ball’s bases-loaded single tied the game before Valenzuela ended it.

Boling was 2-for-3 at the plate and hit her seventh home run. Rachel Criner was 4-for-4 at the plate.

Lauren Robertson got the win for the Cowgirls in relief and is now 4-4  on the year. She gave up one hit in two innings.

The Cowgirls will next play in the Midwest Classic at at Arrowhead Field in Tulsa against Coffeyville (Kan.) at 10 a.m.Saturday.

Softball and Baseball Games Cancelled

Warner—Connors State’s baseball and softball games scheduled for against Labette County, Kan. and Northern-Tonkawa Tuesday have been cancelled due to inclement weather.

The softball team resumes play on Thursday at Northern-Tonkawa and will play at 4 and 6 p.m. before beginning play on Saturday in Tulsa at Arrowhead field in the Midwest Classic.

The Cowgirls will open at 10 a.m. against Coffeyville Community College follow by games with Rose State at noon, and North Central Texas at 6 p.m.

On Sunday Connors will play Garden City, Kan. at 8 a.m., Northeastern A&M at 2 p.m. and Neosho, Mo. At 6 p.m.

The Cowboys will next play Illinois Central on Saturday in a doubleheader at Warner beginning at 1 p.m. The two teams will then play a single game on Sunday noon.

Cowgirls Split With Grayson County

DENNISON, TEXAS – Connors State Cowgirls softball team traveled across the Red River Monday and earned a split with the Grayson County Vikings losing the opener 8-5 and taking the nightcap 6-5 on the international tie breaker.

The Cowgirls are now 9-11 on the season as they return home to play Northern-Tonkawa, in a double header Tuesday, beginning at 2 p.m.

Connors pounded out 15 base hits in the opening game of the twin bill, as four players had multiple hits.  Shasta Blake went 2-for-4; Hanna Hamilton collected 3 hits in 3 at-bats, with a home run, her first of the season, Laruen Pitman, who was 4-for-4 at the plate, which included her fifth home run of the season.  Rachel Criner was 3-for-4 at the plate.

Only three of the Vikings 8 runs were earned as they took a 5-0 lead in the first inning against Hayley Jaynes, who took the loss and is 4-5 for the year.

In the second game the Cowgirls came back to get the win as Lauren Robertson was inside the circle to get the win, her second win of the season against four defeats. Robertson scattered 8 hits, struck out 3 and walked 5 in going the distance.

Connors held a 5-1 lead before Grayson came back to score four runs in the seventh inning. Using the international tiebreaker with Julie Neal at second base, she was sacrifice to third base and then Jessica Dacius hit a deep fly plating Neal with the winning run.

Blake pounded out 2 hits in 4 trips to the plate, while Hamilton went 2-for 3 and was 1-for-3 to finish 5-for-7 for the two games at the plate.

In the fourth inning Paige Boling connected for her fifth homer, a 3-run shot to tie the game.

Softball Season In Full Swing

Connors State Cowgirls softball team earned a split with Crowder Community College on Tuesday with a 10-1 opening game win and falling in the second game of the twin bill 4-1.

The Cowgirls, who are now 7-9 on the year, will play Grayson County Community College today at 1 p.m.

Hayley Jaynes got the pitching decision in both games and is now 4-4 inside the circle this season. Jaynes struck out four and gave up a home run in the opener. Cowgirls’ Paige Boling connected for a 3-run homer, her fourth of the season, with Sabrina Valenzuela collecting two hits.

In the second game, Jaynes, who was pitching in relief of starter Lauren Robertson, gave up a two-run homer in the 8th inning which was the difference in the game. Cowgirls’ Hannah Hamilton of Muskogee, Shasta Blake and Jackie Thurmond each had two hits, while Blake also stole three bases.

Cowgirls softball team on the road

The Cowgirls, who are 3-5 for the season, begins play Friday in the Murray State Softball Festival in Tishomingo. The Cowgirls open with Paris Junior College at 4 p.m. and will the Northeast Texas Community College at 6 p.m.

Saturday the Cowgirls tangle with Neosho Community College at noon, North Central Texas Community College at 4 p.m. and Fort Scott, Kan., Community College at 6 p.m.

Softball Season Starts Soon

The 2011 Connors State College Softball Team debuts in their first home game on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 1:00pm. Please see the schedule for more information on all the games.