The Cushing Middle School 7th & 8th grade girls softball team coached by Coach Charles Copeland and Coach Bob Coates, opened their season at home with a pair of wins against Oak Grove, Tuesday evening August 25th. In the first game of the double header contest, after a shaky start by the Cushing defense, the Lady Tigers righted themselves and prevailed 4 – 2. Getting her first pitching win of the season was Jessie Niccum. In the 2nd game, which turned into a slug fest, the lady tigers needed 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th to secure the win 13 – 12, with Tristyn Short, Morgan McGrew, Mikaela Weaver and Sabrina Maxwell providing key hits.
After their season opening win, Coach Copeland took his Lady Tigers to Bristow on a high note, Thursday August 27th for the Bristow Invitational Tournament. The Lady Tigers drew Kellyville as their opponent. Again it was the bats of Short, McGrew and Weaver providing the punch allowing Niccum her 2nd pitching victory 6 – 3. Friday, August 28th, the Lady Tiger’s counterpart for the semi-final game was Morris. In what turned into a pitcher’s duel, Lady Tigers Short and Kira Cox provided Niccum with all the run support she needed to prevail 2 – 1, with Weaver at short stop anchoring a stellar defensive effort. Moving on to the championship game Saturday, the Lady Tigers found themselves locked in a defensive classic with a very scrappy Jennings team. With Cushing holding on to a precarious 1 – 0 lead, “Murphy’s” law struck and the wheels came off the tiger defense in the 4th inning, allowing Jennings to plate 4 unearned runs. The Lady Tigers mounted a late rally in the 5th but came up short losing 4 – 2, with Niccum taking the loss. With the second place finish, the Lady Tigers bring home the first trophy for the Middle School this school year.
Next up for the lady tigers will be a home stand double header against Drumright, 4 p.m. Tuesday September 1st at the high school softball field.
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