Jays struggle offensively on day two of Pryor Festival

The Guthrie Lady Jays softball team faced a tough day at the Pryor Festival, losing both games on Tuesday to finish the festival with a 1-3 record. Despite strong performances in the circle, the Lady Jays could not secure a win, falling 1-0 to Tahlequah and 4-2 to Claremore.

In the day’s first game, Guthrie was edged out in a pitching duel against Tahlequah.

Both teams showcased their pitching strength, but Tahlequah managed to squeak by with a 1-0 victory, scoring the lone run on a double in the fourth inning.

Guthrie’s offense struggled to find momentum, marking their second consecutive game without a run. Related article: Guthrie Softball splits season-opening doubleheader at Pryor Festival

Kinley Duehning and Codi Hibbs each recorded two hits, while Haley Gallo added a hit and two stolen bases. Sophomore Savannah Ingle took the tough-luck loss, pitching four innings and allowing just one run on two hits with three strikeouts. Freshman Holland McLemore provided stellar relief, striking out five of the eight batters she faced over two innings.

In the second game, Guthrie faced Claremore and suffered a 4-2 defeat in five innings.

The Lady Jays took an early 1-0 lead in the third inning with an RBI single by Gallo. Claremore quickly tied it up in the fourth, but Guthrie regained the lead with a solo home run by Brylan Shephard, her second of the season, in the bottom of the fourth.

However, Claremore rallied with three runs in the fifth to secure the win. McLemore took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits over three innings. Kinley Duehning started the game, giving up just one hit and no runs over two innings.

Shephard led the offense with a 2-for-2 performance at the plate.

After scoring eight runs in the first game of the season, the Jays could only cross the plate twice in the last three games (16 innings).

Looking ahead, the Lady Jays will participate in the Norman Tournament on Friday and Saturday before opening their home schedule against Carl Albert on Monday at 5 p.m.