OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University used a five-run fourth inning and a dominant pitching performance from Lily LaVelle to cruise by No. 25 Columbia (Mo.) 8-2 on Friday evening in the nightcap of the Domino's Capital City Classic at Ann Lacy Stadium.

LaVelle, a sophomore from Bridge Creek, Okla., recorded 13 strikeouts in the circle in six innings of work to keep Columbia off balance for much of the night. LaVelle (16-2) scattered two runs on four hits over six frames. The Stars, ranked ninth in NAIA softball, improved to 31-8 on the season.

Ashley Wilburn, a senior from Gilmer, Texas, went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored, while LeeAnn Lopez, a freshman from Grand Prairie, Texas, was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run.

Amanda Howard, a senior from Strathmore, Alberta, Canada, recorded a hit and two RBIs while scoring twice. Howard led off the bottom of the first inning with a solo blast, her eighth of the season, to right field to give the Stars an early 1-0 advantage.

After Columbia cut the OCU lead to 2-1 in the top of the fourth, OCU put the game away with five runs in the bottom of the inning.

The Stars scored their first run of the inning on a dropped third strike that got away from the catcher and allowed Wilburn to come home from second base. Howard and Autumn Mayberry walked consecutively with the bases loaded to drive in a run each. LaVelle singled in two runs with a shot back to the pitcher to finish off the scoring.

OCU meets William Woods (Mo.) at 10 a.m. on Saturday to open day two of the Capital City Classic. The Stars will round out the day with an 8 p.m. contest against Evangel (Mo.).
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