The Preston Lady Pirates’ journey to the Class 2A State Softball Tournament came to an emotional end Thursday in a dramatic walk-off loss to the Pocola Indians, falling 6-5 in the opening round at the FireLake Ballpark in Shawnee.

In a back-and-forth battle that showcased grit and determination from both squads, the game ended in heartbreak for the Lady Pirates when Pocola’s Elliott Alexander delivered a clutch single in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring the winning run.

The Lady Pirates wasted no time taking an early lead, capitalizing on defensive miscues by Pocola to plate two runs in the top of the first. Caris Tecumseh added to the fast start with an RBI single, giving Preston a 3-0 lead.

Pocola chipped away at the deficit and eventually surged ahead in the bottom of the fifth. Dauslyn Brown smashed an RBI double to center field, and Alli Lomon followed with a run-scoring single to push the Indians in front, 5-4.

Preston refused to go quietly. In the top of the sixth inning, Taylan Starr delivered a game-tying single to center field, knotting the score at 5-5 and setting the stage for the dramatic finish.

In the bottom of the seventh, Pocola loaded the bases, and Alexander capitalized, sending a line drive into the outfield to score the deciding run and end Preston’s season in the quarterfinal round.

— Preston Stats

• Caris Tecumseh: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, R

• Olivia Beaver: 1-for-4, 2 RBI

• Taylan Starr: 2-for-3, 1 RBI

• Josie Cope: 2-for-4

• Total Hits: 10

• Total Runs: 5

• Errors: 0

• Kristin Holuby: 6.2 IP, 14 H, 5 ER, 1 K, 5 BB — Pocola Stats

• Elliott Alexander: 3-for-5, 2 RBI (including the game-winning RBI)

• Dauslyn Brown: 2-for-4, 2 RBI

• Landie Riggs: 3-for-4

• Kyleigh Combs: 2-for-3

• Total Hits: 14

• Total Runs: 6

• Errors: 3

• Lety Parga: 7 IP, 10 H, 1 ER, 1 K, 4 BB — Season Reflection

Despite the early exit, the Lady Pirates showcased the same tenacity that carried them to the State Tournament, fighting to the very last pitch. Preston ends their season with heads held high, having made a strong postseason run and proving they belonged among Oklahoma’s best in Class 2A.

Coach Jimmy Hurst’s Lady Pirates finish the season with a stellar record and valuable experience that will serve as fuel for next year’s campaign.