Opening Day wasn’t exactly relaxing for Eden Anderson.
The stress leading up to Mustang’s first game didn’t get to the senior third baseman, however.
In fact, she used it to help fuel an 8-1 win over Edmond North on a surprisingly cool and overcast Monday night.
Anderson racked up two doubles and three RBI, including a three-run knock in the bottom of the fourth to break the game open. She also drove a line drive off the left field wall in the bottom of the sixth.
“It’s stressful out there, especially as a senior and it being our last first game,” she said after the win. “So, it was a big relief to get that out of the way and shake off the nerves.”
Anderson said she made an adjustment after being out in front her first two plate appearances.
Eden Anderson (Sr.) drives one of her two doubles during Mustang’s 8-1 win over Edmond North on Monday, August 7, 2023. Anderson went 2-for-3 with two RBI in the team’s season opening victory. (Photo by Shelly Holinsworth / Freelance Action Photography)
“I was really early in my first at bats, so I changed my load,” she said. “It allowed me to stay inside on those doubles.”
The Broncos finished with 10 hits overall, including extra-base knocks from Abigail Keele (So.) and Arionna McElroy (Sr.). Shaye Rowe (Sr.) was outstanding as well, going 3-for-4 from the top of the lineup with two RBI.
Seniors Emerson Pegram, Rylee Hannon, and Kenzie Sessions each finished with one hit.
Amelia Mason (Jr.) was dominant in her first varsity start, striking out six Huskies while allowing five hits and one walk over seven complete innings. She threw 71 of her 110 pitches for strikes.
“It felt really good,” Mason said after the game. “I felt a little nervous obviously with it being my first varsity start, but I felt like my screwball was working and I really felt like my team had my back. Our offense really had it working tonight.”
Mason said she was nervous knowing she would be helping take over for two All-State starters in Landry Garza and Kierra McGahee, but that she was ready for the call.
“At first it was a little nerve-racking, but now I’m confident I can go out there and pitch well and let my team have my back,” she said.
Anderson was also excited to see her teammate dominate in her first outing.
“She went out there and got that first varsity win and really, she’s never pitched a game like that. We are all really proud of her.”
The Broncos continue the opening week of the season with a second straight home game Tuesday night vs Deer Creek. The Antlers went 28-12 last season and fell just short of reaching the state tournament.
