BENTONVILLE, Ark. - SWOSU Softball's season came to an end in walkoff fashion in the opening round of the GAC Tournament, falling short against 2-seeded Oklahoma Baptist 3-2.

SWOSU closes out the year 22-25, representing its most wins since 2012. It was also the first postseason appearance for the Dawgs since 2019.

After a scoreless first inning, the Dawgs loaded the bases in the top of the second, trying to take an early lead. However, a Chesnie Hewitt pop-up ended the inning, stranding all three runners.

The third inning saw the first lead change, as a Riley Lusk single brought in Taylor McMahon to give SWOSU a 1-0 lead. Oklahoma Baptist quickly responded in the bottom of the third, with GAC Player of the Year Sammie Green knotting up the game with a single through the left side.

A sacrifice fly gave OBU the lead in the bottom of the fourth, but SWOSU responded with a run of their own. Hewitt reached base on a successful bunt, stole second, and advanced to home on a Jaydn Hook single.

Neither team could gain an advantage in the next four half-innings, sending the game to the bottom of the seventh with the Bison at bat. OBU singled to open the inning before a miscommunication on a sacrifice bunt left runners safe at first and second with no outs. A sacrifice bunt by the leadoff hitter put the Bison runners on second and third with one out, and they capitalized on the moment with the next batter singling to right center, ending the game and the season for the Bulldogs.

Hewitt and McMahon led the way with two hits apiece and were the only players to score. SWOSU racked up eight hits, none of which were extra-base hits, and committed zero errors defensively.

Alexis Taylor finished her freshman campaign 14-11 after taking the loss. She pitched a complete game, giving up eight hits and three runs with four walks and three strikeouts in 29 batters faced.