NORMAN, Okla. – The Samford University softball team spit a pair of games against two highly talented teams on Saturday, March 7, at Marita Hynes Field on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. The Bulldogs down Missouri State University 2-1 in walk-off fashion before it dropped a 9-0 decision in six innings to Oklahoma.

Samford opened up play in the Courtyard by Marriott Tournament against Missouri State (8-8) and walked away with its fifth walk-off victory of the season in a 2-1 decision.
With a 3-2 count, freshman Karsin Spinks drove home pinch runner Rebecca Leonard on a sacrifice fly out to left field to clinch the game for the Bulldogs.

Leonard replaced junior Callie Brister after she doubled out to right center to lead off the inning. Caitlin Bice then singled up the middle putting runners on the corners for Spinks' deciding hit.

The Bulldogs scored its' first run of the game in the bottom of the third on a single from freshman Shelby Maze. The ball was bobbled by center fielder Erika Zimmer which allowed Caroline Wilder to score from second base.

Sophomore Jessica Stone pitched an excellent six innings against the Bears and limited their potent offense to just one run which they scored late in the top of the sixth inning to tie the game. Stone was relieved by fellow sophomore Grey Adams (5-1) who finished out the game and picked up her fifth win of the season.

Samford dropped its nightcap against the No. 6 Sooners 9-0 in six innings of play. Redshirt junior Mollie Hanson (7-3) fended off the talented Oklahoma hitters but the duo of Lauren Chamberlain and Erin Miller pushed OU out ahead with a combined total of eight RBIs.

Despite giving up 12 strikeouts to Sooner pitcher Kelsey Stevens (6-0)the Bulldogs had opportunities to put pressure on the team from Norman.

Junior Megan Dowdy went 2 of 3 from the plate and was inches away from going a perfect 3 for 3 but Stevens caught a hard hit line drive right back at her in Dowdy's first at-bat of the game.

Down 4-0 going into the top of the fifth inning Samford loaded the bases with two out after Bice drew a leadoff walk and a pair of singles from Abbie Miranda and Dowdy. Senior Shelby Scott worked a 2-2 count before being retired by Stevens.

Miller put the game away in the bottom of the sixth inning with a three-run home run to straight away center field.

Dowdy finished the day as the Bulldogs most consistent hitter going 3 for 6 at the plate from her leadoff position.

Samford will be back in action tomorrow to play another pair of games against Missouri State and Oklahoma. The Bulldogs will first take on the Bears at 10 a.m. then will cap off the tournament against the Sooners at 12:15 p.m.