Mustang’s first district test of 2022 was a challenge the team had been studying for since last October.
With eight runs on eight hits and a solid performance in the circle, the Broncos opened Class 6A District 1 play with an 8-4 win over defending state champion Southmoore – one step toward avenging a state semifinals loss from 2021.
A five-run fifth inning provided the lift Mustang needed after entering the frame deadlocked with the Sabercats at 3-3.
The Broncos jumpstarted the inning with five straight hits, including RBI singles from juniors Eden Anderson and Fae Cornish to take a 5-3 lead. Junior Emerson Pegram followed with a two-RBI double before an RBI-single from senior Landry Garza later in the frame, extending the advantage to 8-4.
Mustang battled back from a 2-0 deficit earlier in the game, taking advantage of poor defensive play by the Sabercats to score three runs in the top of the third inning.
Freshman Reese Poage and junior Kenzie Sessions got things going with a pair of walks, followed by a successful sacrifice bunt from senior Olivia See, moving both runners into scoring position. Poage and Sessions scored on a wild pitch and an error before another fielding mistake by Southmoore, scoring junior Arionna McElroy for a 3-2 lead.
Pegram finished 2-for-4 while freshman Lexy Kierstead also finished with two hits, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. McElroy went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks. Altogether the Broncos drew seven free passes, including three from Sessions and two from Poage.
The Broncos were also spurred by a steadying force in the circle.
Garza pitched well in a complete game effort, allowing four runs on seven hits with three walks and six strikeouts. She threw 64 strikes out of 106 total pitches on route to the win.
The victory marked the second straight for Mustang after defeating Stigler on Saturday to cap the Broken Arrow tournament.
The Broncos look to make it three straight overall and two straight in district on Thursday as they host Edmond Santa Fe in their home opener.
