NORMAN, Okla. - Wichita State softball scored four runs in the top of the first inning, but the Sooners scored five in the second to take a lead they wouldn't relent and won, 8-5, at Marita Hynes Field on Wednesday.  
 
The early lead was a result of a Madison Perrigan single that scored Sydney McKinney. The next at-bat saw Neleigh Herring crush a ball to left field to increase her team-leading total to five. The three-run home run gave the Shockers an early 4-0 lead after they blanked the Sooners in the bottom of the frame.
 
Oklahoma responded in the second inning by bringing five runs across the plate. A two RBI double by Mackenzie Donihoo and a three-run home run Grace Lyons gave the Sooners a 5-4 lead that they would maintain for the remainder of the game.
 
Bailey Lange hit a solo shot in the fifth inning to cut the Oklahoma lead to one. The home run was her third in four games and put her in a tie with Perrigan for second on the team.
 
Caitlin Bingham (4-2, 4.34 ERA) started in the circle for the Shockers but she was replaced for Lange (2-7, 7.00 ERA) in the second inning after the Sooners scored five runs. Lange pitched the remainder of the game, striking out three and allowing three more runs on seven hits.
 
Up Next
The Shockers travel to Lawrence, Kan., to participate in the Rock Chalk Challenge from March 6-8. They will have games against Kansas, Kansas City and Drake. The Shockers' two games against Kansas will be streamed on ESPN+.