Lady Pioneers Power Past Ponca City, 8

It was more than just a game Tuesday night at Pioneer Field. Before the first pitch, Stillwater Softball honored first responders, military service members, and veterans in a pregame ceremony. Former state representative John Talley delivered the ceremonial first pitch, drawing applause from the home crowd.

First responders, military service members, and veterans were honored before Stillwater’s game against Ponca City on Aug. 26 at Pioneer Field. Former state Rep. John Talley delivered the ceremonial first pitch as part of the pregame ceremony. – Photos by Chris Peters

The Lady Pioneers then combined explosive bats with steady pitching to earn an 8–2 victory over Ponca City.

Stillwater jumped out early when Jaelynn Wilhelm (17) and Callé Cox (27) delivered key hits in the first inning to grab the lead. Ponca City kept the game close, but Stillwater pulled away in the third inning when Sai Kolone (14) smashed a two-run home run to push the advantage to 4–2.

From there, Stillwater’s offense never let up. Cox was unstoppable at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a mix of singles, extra-base hits, and a home run. Wilhelm matched her consistency, also finishing 4-for-4. In the sixth inning, Michelle Kolone (24) added insurance with a towering home run that sealed the outcome.

Stillwater’s Presley Reed (#8), Callé Cox (#27), Saisului Eseta Kolone (#14) and Michelle Kolone (#24) each made key contributions in the Lady Pioneers’ 8–2 win over Ponca City on Aug. 26 in Stillwater. – Photos by Chris Peters

On the mound, Grace Tonga (4) was dominant. The senior tossed 6.2 innings, scattering seven hits, walking none, and striking out five to keep Ponca City in check. She threw 101 pitches, 63 for strikes. Defensively, Presley Reed (8) and Michelle Kolone (24) made key plays to shut down Ponca City rallies.

Stillwater’s Grace Tonga (#4) and Jaelynn Wilhelm (#17) starred in the Lady Pioneers’ 8–2 win over Ponca City on Aug. 26 in Stillwater. Tonga struck out five in 6.2 innings to earn the win in the circle, while Wilhelm went 4-for-4 at the plate. – Photos by Chris Peters

Head coach Karie Linsenmeyer credited her team’s steady growth and competitive edge after the game.

“We came out with a loss in our first game — probably to a team we shouldn’t have lost to — but since then we haven’t lost. That’s eight in a row now,” Linsenmeyer said. “We don’t set big goals other than just being ourselves and competing within our team. Every inning we try to adapt, adjust and figure out how to hit the pitch. It’s been a healthy competition, and it’s paying off.”

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Linsenmeyer added that defensive improvements have stood out from last year.

“Some of the defensive plays are fun to watch,” Linsenmyer said. “Even the little things – like the picks our first baseman is making – it’s been a big step forward.”

From left: Head Coach Karie Linsenmeyer and Jaelyn Wilhelm. – Photos by Chris Peters

The Lady Pioneers now turn their attention to a road trip out of state. They will travel to Kansas City later this week for four games against competition from Missouri and Nebraska.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to see some different talent and see where we rank,” Linsenmeyer said. “Last year we struggled a little bit up there, so I’m hoping we can show a different outcome this time.”

With the win, Stillwater extended its streak to eight straight victories and continues to build momentum for a potential postseason run.

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