Alva Review-Courier -

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 15, 2018) – Oklahoma Christian spotted East Central an early four-run lead and couldn't quite close the gap on Thursday at Tom Heath Field.

Twice, OC pulled within a run, but East Central hung on to beat the Lady Eagles 5-4 in a softball game rescheduled after cold conditions cut short last week's Edmond Regional Invitational.

The loss snapped a six-game winning streak for OC (7-6), while East Central (5-5) bounced back after being run-ruled 12-2 earlier in the day across Edmond at Central Oklahoma in another makeup game.

The Tigers took the lead with a three-run second inning against OC starter Madison Nordyke (1-4), with Aundrea Hamric and Catherine Barrera both hitting RBI singles before a run-scoring double by Ellanee Allison. East Central made it 4-0 in the top of the fourth when Hamric scored on a wild pitch by OC reliever Kaylie Upton.

OC loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth with one out but managed only one run, when East Central starter Demi Danell (2-1) hit Lacey Davidson with a pitch. The Lady Eagles pulled within 4-3 in the sixth, with Hunter Strickland's triple to right-center keying a two-run rally.

But East Central added an insurance run in the top of the seventh – which would prove costly for OC – when Barrera doubled and scored on a single by Alissa Taylor.

With one out in the seventh, Upton tripled to left-center. After Kayla Eichler grounded out, Sheridan Fuller's single through the left side scored Upton, but Strickland grounded out to end the game, giving ECU reliever Jacey Henry her first save of the season.

OC is scheduled to play a doubleheader at Central Oklahoma on Saturday at noon, weather permitting.