May 6, 2023
Chickasha, Ok – On Saturday evening at the Jim Wade Stadium in Chickasha, Oklahoma, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Lions baseball team faced the Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) Aggies in a Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Tournament face-off, Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) and Oklahoma City University (OCU) in the SAC semifinals.
Lions Review
With a lopsided score of 11-6, the SAGU Lions defeated the OPSU Aggies. Excellent SAGU hitting allowed the Lions to record 17 hits in their 42 at-bats throughout the high-scoring game.
The RBIs were supplied by Avery Chatman (2), Matt Daiy (2), Bryson Collins, Craig Venable, Timothy Compomizzi, JV Verdin, and Eli Lyons. The home run by Eli Lyons in the top of the fourth inning floated into space as it traveled far toward left field.
The SAGU base running was also spectacular during the game as Avery Chatman, Matt Daiy, Bryson Collins (2), Craig Venable, Andrew Ortiz, and Nick Mosley were among the SAGU players that stole bases throughout the contest.
Ethan Nors was the starting pitcher for the SAGU Lions. On the mound, in a little over five innings of pitching, Nors faced 28 batters and struck out four; overall, Nors threw 59 total strikes. Hayden Mullins struck out an OPSU batter as well.
In game two, SAGU's Matthew Hickey started things by striking eight Texas Wesleyan University batters out. James Maddox Henderson hit an HR to clinch the 7-4 SAGU victory on the attacking side.
The SAC semifinal loss against the Oklahoma City University Stars, 17-8, put an end to the Lions' title aspirations.
The Lions' eight runs in the loss came from their 13 total hits throughout their 36 at-bats. Additional RBIs came from Nick Mosley, Matt Daiy (2), Craig Venable, Timothy Compomizzi (2), and Alejandro Garcia. Nick Mosley had three hits to lead SAGU.
For SAGU, Reagan Smith got things going on the mound. Reagan Smith threw 64 strikes in the game while facing 27 batters and striking out four. Jadon Harper struck out two Oklahoma City batters.
Cornacchione's Corner
"Finding a way to win the games we did in this tournament required our players' energy and determination. Eli, Avery, and Matt all put up strong performances throughout this tournament, but this was a team effort," said SAGU head baseball coach Matt Cornachione.
As a leading Christian university, SAGU educates and prepares individuals who want to serve Christ and others. SAGU helps students discover and develop their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered, learning community. We believe in affordable tuition, made possible in part through the financial support of donors who embrace the mission of SAGU and the importance of affordable, accredited programs to train Christians for leadership in ministry, business, education, and service. Most majors are available in-person in Waxahachie, TX, and online through a wide range of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
