By Michael Kinney
NORMAN — When the fall begins Kayla McKinley with be at Oklahoma State University studying landscape architecture. The Westmoore senior said she enjoys being outside.
Saturday, during the Oklahoma Slowpitch Softball Coaches Association All-State game, McKinley showed how much she likes playing outdoors. Despite sweltering heat, McKinley led the Large West squad to an overwhelming 20-3 victory over the Large East at the University of Oklahoma Softball Complex.
“I was not expecting the score,” McKinley said. “It was very exciting.”
McKinley got the start on the mound and helped limit the East to 11 hits and three runs. But McKinley also did damage at the plate by knocking in four runs.
“It was a good way to end school ball,” McKinley said. “For me it was a very good ending.”
McKinley joined a large group of area players that were selected to play in the game. Other players included Jaguar teammate Taylir Ross, Moore’s Leslie Martini and Holly Genzer and Southmoore’s Brittany James.
The Lions Drew Wright also was chosen to play in the contest. But she was unable to make the game do to a summer league fastpitch game, according to MHS coach Robert Wakefield.
However, the players who did show up were more than enough to overpower an East squad.
McKinley got the ball rolling when she knocked in the games first two runs with a single in the first inning. Ross then scored in the second inning to put the West up 3-0.
Ross plated two more runs in the fourth and Genzer scored later in the inning as the West lead grew to 10-0.
McKinley knocked in two more runs with a double in the ninth and Martini added a 2-run triple to close out the scoring. The West combined for 20 runs on 30 hits.
“I think I played very good,” McKinley said. “One of my better games for sure.”
McKinley ends her prep career with nothing but good memories. The Jaguars ended the regular season with the best record in Class 6A before falling in the semifinal round of the state tournament. She was part of the squad that won the state title in 2007.
“It was pretty good,” McKinley said. “I had lots of fun doing it. Had lots of fun girls to play with.”
