COLUMBUS, Ga. - The top two seeds of the 2022 NAIA Softball World Series faced off on Monday evening, May 30, as No. 1 Mobile went to battle with the second-ranked Stars of Oklahoma City University. In an evenly-matched game throughout its entirety, it was Oklahoma City who came out victorious, securing a 1-0 win over the top-ranked Rams, and earning a spot in the 2022 NAIA Softball National Championship game set for Wednesday evening, June 1.
For Mobile, its just the third time during the 2022 season where the Rams have suffered defeat, dropping the overall record to 51-3. Both Mobile and Oklahoma City entered Monday's showdown with over 50 wins on the year.
How It Happened
In what quickly became a pitcher's duel between Mobile starter Emily Butts and Shelbey Cornelson of Oklahoma City, it was Oklahoma City that broke through against Butts with the game's lone run in the top of the fourth inning following a two-out RBI single up the middle. The Rams had their chances, however, leaving six runners on base, but failing to push across the equalizing run. Both teams finished with four hits a piece.
Mobile right fielder Katie Head led Mobile at the plate, finishing 2-for-3, while Eila Infante finished with 1-for-2 with a walk and Madilyn Sheffield finished 1-for-3. Sheffield was left on base in the final inning prior to the Stars grabbing the win.
For Butts, Monday's loss is just her first this season, moving her season record to 24-1 from the circle. Despite giving up the lone run, Butts' season ERA still sits at a stellar 1.16, leading the Rams' pitching staff.
What's Next
Mobile will look to keep their 2022 season and hopes for the program's second national title alive in an elimination game on Tuesday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. CST against the winner of the Southeastern (Fla.) v. Science & Arts (Okla.). The winner of the Mobile v. TBD game will then advance to face Oklahoma City for the 2022 NAIA Softball National Championship. All games for the rest of the 2022 NAIA Softball World Series will be broadcasted live on ESPN 3.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
