Layna Vandiver came up clutch on Thursday, driving in four runs on two key hits to lead the Checotah Lady Wildcats (1-9) to their first victory of the season, a thrilling 7-6 win over the Muldrow Bulldogs at the Checotah Softball Tournament.

“I’m really proud of how we responded today,” said head coach Malcolm Warrior. “We limited mistakes and made some big plays both in the outfield and at the plate. Right now, were excited and enjoying the win.”

Vandiver sparked the offense with a two-run double in the third inning and followed it up with an RBI single in the fourth. She also contributed early with an RBI groundout in the first inning.

Muldrow struck first in run on a groundout by Jaydin quickly in the bottom of the the opening frame, scoring a Dean. Checotah answered first with Vandiver’s fielders choice and a line-drive RBI single from Hailey Prince, putting the Lady Wildcats ahead 2-1.

In the third, Vandiver’s double extended the lead to 4 to 1. Despite falling behind by four, Muldrow rallied late, scoring on back-to-back singles and a sacrifice lineout. But Checotah’s defense held strong in the final moments to seal the win.

Makyah Black started in the circle for Checotah, allowing 10 hits and six runs over six innings. Despite issuing 12 walks, she struck out two and battled through key moments to keep her team ahead. Jaydin Dean pitched for Muldrow, surrendering 13 hits and seven runs across five innings.

Checotah racked up 13 hits, with leadoff hitter Kami Hamm going a perfect 3-for-3. Black and Aurora Madewell also had multiple hits, and the Lady Wildcats were flawless defensively, committing no errors. Vandiver led the team in fielding chances with seven.

Muldrow’s offense was led by Amarie Duran, who went 3-for-4, and Danica Tune, who added two hits. Dean chipped in two RBIs, while Olivia Proctor drew three walks as Muldrow showed patience at the plate, finishing with 12 walks in the game.

Lady Wildcats fall in tournament opener and finale

In the tournament opener, Checotah’s late rally came up short in a 10-5 loss to Oktaha JV. The Lady Wildcats scored four runs in the sixth inning, sparked by Shaelynn Casey, who also had two hits along with Vandiver. Black pitched all six innings, giving up 17 hits and 10 runs while striking out one and walking four.

Game three saw the Lady Wildcats shut out by Stilwell in a tough 10-0 defeat, capping a rollercoaster tournament performance that still featured a major breakthrough win.