Kelly Maxwell, Oklahoma State end Oregon softball’s season with shutout

Oklahoma State softball was two outs away from throwing a perfect game and advancing to the Women’s College World Series, but then Oregon senior Allee Bunker stepped up to the plate. Bunker had worn the green and gold for five years, been with Oregon through triumphs and many tribulations.

Broke several Oregon records and led her team to its first Super Regional in five years this season. She was going to give the program every ounce of fight she had left in her.

“To see the transformation year after year with this team has been super rewarding. To be able to get to a Super Regional this year has been incredible,” Bunker said.

“We started the year saying our goal for the year was to get farther than we’ve ever gone before, and I know we’re all confident that we have made it farther than we’ve made it before.

I’m super satisfied with that feeling.”

Oklahoma State ended up defeating the Ducks 9-0 on Friday night to reach its fourth WCWS in four years but didn’t complete what would’ve been a historic perfect game for the program.

Kelly Maxwell started on the mound for the Cowgirls. She struck out the Ducks 15 times when the teams faced each other on February 10 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. On Friday, Maxwell controlled the game with eight strikeouts.

“She just moves the ball really well. She can hit all corners of the strike zone, which is really tough as a hitter. You just don’t know what’s coming at you,” Bunker said. “She’s a really tough opponent and she definitely made us better as a team. We’ll learn from her.”

Oklahoma State started the game with a double to left field. The runner advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored off a Kiley Naomi single to center field.

Maxwell set the tone for the game by striking out Oregon catcher Terra McGowan to send the batters down in order.