WASHINGTON — On the second day of the Heart of Oklahoma softball tournament, Bethany again split two games with a win 4-1 win over Bridge Creek and 2-1 loss to host Washington Friday (Aug. 22).

Bethany coach Booker Blakley said he was much happier with how his team competed.

“Even though the same record from the day before, I felt like we were on top of things better today,” Blakley said via text. “While still not perfect, improvement was definitely seen.”

BETHANY 4, BRIDGE CREEK 1

Broncho senior Jayda Davis pitched a five-inning no-hitter for the win.

Blakley said, “After a slow start in the circle, Jayda really put it together. Her and Madison Bibbs behind the plate had a great game plan and kept Bridge Creek off balance the majority of the game.

Davis allowed one unearned run, walked two batters and struck out four.

The Bobcats scored in the second inning on a bases-loaded sacrifice fly. A hit-by-pitch, an error and a walk led to the lone run.

“Maybe not the best offensive game for us,” Blakley said. “We were better with timely hitting.”

Junior Emma Geissler tied the game in the bottom half of the second inning, doubling home Madison Bibbs, who walked to lead off the inning. Geissler scored later on an error on a ball hit by senior Maddison McNutt to give Bethany a 2-1 lead.

“McNutt did a a great job of putting a ball in play and putting pressure on the defense causing our second run,” Blakley said.

The Bronchos added two more runs in the third inning. Senior Emma Buxton led off with a walk. Freshman Rian Rollins laid down a bunt single. Buxton scored on an error. Freshman Dani Williams pinch ran for Rollins and scored on a passed ball to make it 4-1.

Rollins was 2-for-2 in the contest. Buxton and Geissler each had a hit.

“Overall a solid game against someone that we could see in a regional down the line,” Blakley said.

WASHINGTON 3, BETHANY 2

Against 3A Washington (8-1), the Bronchos scored first with two runs in the third inning,

Junior Jules Barger knocked in fellow junior Grey Williamson with a sacrifice fly to right field. Madison Bibbs tripled to right field to make it, 2-0.

“I thought the girls came out and tried to take it to them,” Blakley said.

The Warriors scored all three of their runs in the third inning, keyed by a two-run homer by senior Julie Hoehner off Bethany starter Paige Sechrist.

“Paige did a wonderful job in the circle,” Blakley said. “We were unfortunate to give up a home run but we give credit to the girl for hitting a difficult pitch.”

The Bronchos had runners in scoring position for the next three innings but couldn’t push a run across.

“We had opportunities to get back in the game, but were unable to get that final hit that we needed,” Blakley said.

Madison Bibbs went 2-for-2 and McNutt was 2-for-3. Williamson, Buxton and Rollins each had a hit.

Sechrist allowed four hits and three runs in five innings. She walked one batter.

“I think it shows the girls that they can compete with some of the best in the state when we are playing competitive games against high quality competition,” Blakley said.

UP NEXT

Bethany meets 3A Alva (8-4) Saturday (Aug. 23) at noon in Washington to wrap up play in the tournament.

BETHANY 4, BRIDGE CREEK 1

	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
Bridge Creek (4-7)	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	4
Bethany (2-6)	0	2	2	0	0	4	4	1

WASHINGTON 3, BETHANY 2

	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
Bethany (2-7)	0	0	2	1	0	0	2	7	0
Washington (8-1)	0	0	3	0	0	0	3	4	1