Bitter weather conditions delayed the start of the 2007 season for the Washburn Lady Blues softball team last weekend.

The Lady Blues were originally set to open the season against Southwest Oklahoma State Friday, Feb. 9, in Weatherford, Okla. However, the Lady Blues made a return trip to Weatherford over the weekend, splitting a pair of games on Saturday in a four-team event hosted by Southwestern Oklahoma State.

The Lady Blues defeated Southwestern Oklahoma in the first game 6-0. With both teams unable to score through five innings, the Lady Blues opened the flood gates in the bottom of the fifth inning, scoring five runs. The rally was started when Jessica Batres, Washburn freshman outfielder, tripled, scoring two runs. Kelly Swygert, Washburn junior pitcher, picked up the win allowing only five hits over five scoreless innings of work. Nicole Perkuhn, freshman pitcher, picked up the save, pitching two scoreless innings, while striking out three hitters. Mandy Tarbutton, junior leftfielder, went 3 for 4 from the plate with an RBI. Batres was 2 for 3 with three RBIs.

Washburn was defeated in the second game 4-0 by St. Gregory’s. Sharon Bell, pitcher who was dominant, tossing a one-hit complete game shutout, while striking out seven Lady Blues’ hitters. Kayla Long, Washburn freshman pitcher, pitched 3 and 2/3 innings allowing two runs on four hits. Megan Kimerer, Washburn pitcher, replaced Long, allowing two runs on three hits over 2 and 1/3 innings.

The Lady Blues faced Adams State at noon, Sunday. The Adams State Grizzlies split their pair of games on Saturday, falling 1-0 to St. Gregory’s before defeating Southwestern Oklahoma 2-1. Prior to the game, the Lady Blues were 2-0 against the Grizzlies.

The Lady Blues then had a rematch against Southwestern Oklahoma State for the final game of the festival Sunday afternoon. Results from Sunday’s games were not available at press time.

The Lady Blues will travel Feb. 23-24, to Canyon, Texas, to play in the West Texas A&M Tournament. The Lady Blues will play games against Oklahoma Panhandle State, Southwestern Oklahoma, a bracket play game and will then play against West Texas, Sunday, Feb. 25.