CHICKASHA, Okla. – The Stillman College softball team fell behind early, but showed resolve in the final inning against the top seeded University of Sciences and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers Monday afternoon, However the rally fell just short as the Tigers dropped a 5-3 decision on the first day of the 2025 NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round.

In the seventh inning, singles from Katelyn Lankford and Alex Erwin sandwiched a walk by Karli Davidson to load the bases. Lily Stone smashed a double to left field for three RBIs to cut the deficit to 5-3 with two outs. However, the Tigers could not scratch another run across in a thrilling top half of the inning. 

Alongside Stone's three-RBI double, Avary Lumpkin finished 2-for-4 with a double. Lauren Haskins posted a stolen base. 

Jasmine Wade (13-5) pitched all six defensive innings for the Tigers with five strikeouts against the top overall-seeded team in the field. 

USAO scored the five runs early with one run in the bottom of the first and four in the second inning. 

Stillman College Softball returns to action in an elimination game tomorrow at 3 p.m. and will face three-seed Freed-Hardemen University (20-16), who lost 8-0 to second-seed Grand View University (Iowa). USAO and Grand View will meet at noon. The loser of the noon game and winner of the 3 p.m. game will play at 6 p.m.