OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The William Woods University softball team was unable to hold onto their lead against No. 15 Eastern Oregon University in the first elimination game of the Oklahoma City Bracket of the NAIA National Championship Opening Rounds, succumbing to an 8-4 loss. The Owls end their season with a 23-25 overall record.
 
Celeste Sermeno put the Owls on the board early on Alexis Hassler's two-out RBI single to left center field.
 
The Owls added three in the top of the third to take a 4-0 lead. After two quick outs, Mia Santos singled to right center field. She advanced to second on a wild pitch and third on Sermeno's single to right field. Hassler then singled to the pitcher. Sermeno made her way to third, and Santos crossed home plate. Arianna Donovan then came up with a big two RBI double to right field, bringing home Hassler and Sermeno for a 4-0 lead.
 
EOU hit a lead-off home run in the bottom of the third to finally get on the board. They added two more runs on a two RBI single in the bottom of the fourth to cut the game to 4-3, and in the fifth, they tacked on five more runs to take an 8-4 lead.
 
The Owls were unable to put another run on the board, ending their season in the program's 20^th NAIA National Championship.
 
Sarah Randermann (12-10) pitched 4.1 innings and struck out three. Hassler finished the game, pitching the remaining 1.2 innings.