TAMPA, Fla. - The Oklahoma Christian softball team spent a 264-day offseason preparing to make its biggest regular-season statement of the NCAA Division II era, defeating NFCA Preseason No. 2 and defending national runner-up Tampa on the road Friday afternoon, 2-0 and 4-2.

The pair of victories mark OC's first-ever win over an NFCA No. 1 or No. 2 team in the regular season since joining the NCAA in 2013. Prior to Friday, the Eagles defeated No. 3 UT Tyler back in 2021.

Lone Star Conference Preseason Pitcher of the Year Jill Dickson (1-0) pitched a gem in game one of the doubleheader, shutting out the Spartans while allowing just five hits in seven complete innings, striking out eight batters.

In game two, true freshman Ella Resendiz (1-0) picked up the win after allowing just two runs on five hits while fanning five. Kadence Brewster picked up her fifth career save after occupying the circle for the final inning, allowing just one base runner while logging one strikeout.

At the plate, in addition to her save, Ka. Brewster (2-of-5) tallied two hits and two runs across the two games, while junior transfer Ally McDougal (2-of-6) added three RBI. Maci George reached base safely four total times on the day, including a three-hit game two to help OC complete the twin-bill sweep.

No. 25 Oklahoma Christian (2-0, 0-0 LSC) will remain in the Sunshine State when they take on Eckerd in St. Petersburg, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 31 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. CT.

Game One: No. 25 Oklahoma Christian 2, No. 2 Tampa 0
Both starting pitchers held the other team scoreless until the fourth inning. In her second plate appearance, Marti Yaerger started the frame with a walk before Kallie Rupp later sent a sacrifice fly to center field for the first score of the game. McDougal's first hit as an Eagle one batter later handed the Eagles the 2-0 lead.

With the lead in hand, Dickson allowed just two Spartan base runners the rest of the way while retiring seven straight UT batters after taking the lead. 

Game Two: No. 25 Oklahoma Christian 4, No. 2 Tampa 2
Tampa got on the board first with a single run in the bottom of the first. With a runner on second and third with just one out, Resendiz struck out the next two Spartan batters to leave the inning with limited damage.

Oklahoma Christian immediately took the lead with a two-run second inning thanks to a two-RBI triple from McDougal. The score remained 2-1 until the fifth inning.

With Resendiz allowing just one base runner after the first inning, Tampa found some offense in the fifth with two hits to tie the game, 2-2. For the second time in the contest, OC immediately responded with a run in the sixth on a two-out single from true freshman Zyria Palmer and an insurance run in the seventh.

Now holding a 4-2 advantage, Ka. Brewster took over pitching duties in the seventh, facing just four batters before setting off the celebration of the doubleheader sweep.