Box Score SHAWNEE, Okla. — The Ottawa Braves softball threatened early and kept grinding throughout, but a big first inning from no. 9 Science and Arts Drovers softball proved the difference in a 5-1 decision Friday at Firelake Ball Field.

First Inning – Early Punch

• Ottawa opened with a Cece Mora single and advanced a runner into scoring position, but couldn't break through.
• Science and Arts capitalized in the bottom half, stringing together three hits and a walk to plate three runs for a 3-0 lead.

Second Inning – Missed Opportunity

• The Braves put immediate pressure on the Drovers. Emma Melvin walked, Lilli Richerson dropped down a bunt single, and Alex Genty followed with a single to load the bases with no outs.
• Science and Arts escaped the jam with a strikeout and a caught stealing at third, keeping Ottawa off the board.
• The Drovers added a run on an RBI single to make it 4-0.

Third Inning – Defensive Break

• Ottawa picked up another hit from Abby Bellamy but couldn't convert.
• Science and Arts pushed across an unearned run after a throwing error extended the inning, stretching the lead to 5-0.

Fourth Inning – Braves Break Through

• Emma Melvin singled to start the frame.
• After a pair of Drover miscues and aggressive baserunning, Ottawa got on the board when Dev Medina reached on an error that allowed Melvin to score.
• The Braves cut it to 5-1 and continued to pressure defensively the rest of the way.

Final Three Innings – Lockdown Effort

• Lanie Becker settled in, retiring 8 of the final 10 batters faced.
• Ottawa held Science and Arts scoreless over the final three innings.
• The Braves brought the tying run to the plate in the fifth after a leadoff double from Cece Mora, but couldn't string together the needed hit.

By the Numbers

• Hits: Ottawa 6, Science and Arts 10
• Left on Base: Ottawa 8
• Errors: Ottawa 3, Science and Arts 2
• Scoreless Frames by Ottawa Pitching: 3 straight to close the game

Ottawa Statistical Leaders

• Cece Mora: 2-for-4, double
• Abby Bellamy: 1-for-4
• Emma Melvin: 1-for-1, run scored, walk
• Lilli Richerson: 1-for-3
• Alex Genty: 1-for-3

In the Circle:

• Lanie Becker: 6.0 IP, 10 H, 5 R (4 ER), 3 K

Who is Next
Ottawa (8-3) returns to the diamond on Saturday, February 21 at the NAIA SB Invite. OU will play (6) Grand View University at 12:30 p.m.