LAREDO, Texas (Feb. 23, 2019) – Oklahoma Christian recorded big offensive first innings in both softball games as the Eagles bounced back with a doubleheader sweep at Texas A&M International on Saturday afternoon, winning 6-2 and 11-6.

OC (14-3, 2-2 Heartland Conference) was looking for a fast start after dropping a pair of games at league power St. Mary's (Texas) on Thursday and the Eagles got it against TAMIU (6-12, 0-2).

In the opener, the Eagles jumped on TAMIU starter Jenika Lombrana (2-5) for five runs on six hits in the first inning. Kaylie Upton and Kayla Eichler each hit a run-scoring double during the outburst, from which the Dustdevils never recovered.

OC freshman right-hander Kali Crandall (5-1) scattered six hits and didn't allow an earned run while going the distance in the circle. She walked a season-high seven batters but also struck out five.

Bridget White's two-run double keyed a three-run first inning for OC against TAMIU pitcher Sara Caterson (2-4) in the second game and two errors by the Dustdevils in the second inning led to two more OC runs, making it 5-0.

TAMIU had five of its 12 hits in the bottom of the second inning and scored three runs, but the Eagles restored order in the top of the fourth, as Eichler's run-scoring single keyed a two-run outburst that rebuild OC's lead to 7-3. Eichler added an RBI double in the sixth to make it 9-3 and OC added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh.

Upton (2-0), who relieved starter Madison Hagood in the fourth inning, pitched 2 1/3 innings to pick up the pitching win.

Brie Dunckel went 4 for 5 for the Eagles to improve her batting average to .528, third-highest in the Heartland.

OC will return home for a pair of key nonconference doubleheaders next week, against Pittsburg State (Kan.) on Tuesday and local rival Central Oklahoma on Friday.