No. 19 Central Oklahoma erupted for nine runs in the first inning and defeat the Fort Hays State Tigers 11-3 in five innings in the semifinals of the Central Regional-1 Tournament at Tiger Stadium in Hays Saturday afternoon. The loss drops FHSU (46-11) to the losers bracket where they will play either Emporia State or Minot State at 6pm Saturday. The Bronchos (44-11) move on to to the championship game Sunday at 1pm.
UCO’s Ally Dziadula tripled off Maddie Holub to open the bottom of the first. It was the Bronchos first hit off of Hulub, who no-hit them in the MIAA Tournament one week ago. Holub would not survive the first inning, allowing a season-high eight runs (four earned ) on four hits with one walk and no strikeouts.
All told, the Bronchos score nine runs on five hits and were aided by two Tiger errors in the first frame. They would add another run in the second then one in the fourth on a Tori Collet home run.
The Tigers got on the board in the third when Jenna Lang scored from third on a double steal. They would get two in the fifth when Maddie Holub was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The second run came across on a passed ball. Fort Hays State left a runner at third when Danie Brinkmann struck out the end the game.
UCO’s Kalynn Schrock allowed one earned run on three hits and picks up the win.