Oklahoma State pitcher Ruby Meylan was hit by a line drive but managed to finish the game, leading her team to a 7-5 victory over No. 11 Arizona. Coach Kenny Gajewski expressed relief at Meylan's resilience during a tense moment.
Key points
Ruby Meylan was hit by a line drive during the game
Oklahoma State won 7-5 against No. 11 Arizona
Coach Kenny Gajewski felt panic during the incident
Meylan recorded the final out despite the injury
Audrey Schneidmiller hit a two-run homer
Oklahoma State CowgirlsArizonaRuby MeylanAudrey Schneidmiller
STILLWATER — The level of panic that flooded Cowgirl Stadium with two outs in the top of the seventh inning surpassed anything that has been felt when the Oklahoma State softball team was in danger of losing a game.
When a line drive ricocheted off the throwing hand of OSU pitcher Ruby Meylan, causing the ace to drop her glove and walk immediately toward the dugout, far more than the game was in jeopardy.
“I saw the season flashing in front of me just real quick,” OSU coach Kenny Gajewski said.
But after getting checked by coaches and the athletic trainer, Meylan fought past the pain to record the final out of a 7-5 win over No. 11 Arizona on Sunday afternoon.
“She hit it hard and I’m just glad Ruby was able to persevere through it,” said catcher Audrey Schneidmiller, who provided the winning runs with a two-run homer in the fifth inning.
The win clinched a series victory for the Cowgirls, giving them three wins in the last five days against teams ranked 16th or better in the RPI. With OSU in need of wins like that to improve its case for a top-16 seed in the NCAA Tournament, this has been a valuable week.
But it doesn’t end now. The Cowgirls head south to take on Texas, which holds a No. 5 poll ranking but is No. 2 in the RPI before a three-game series at Baylor.
“I wish I could say ‘Whew, take a breath,’” Gajewski said. “There’s no rest for the weary. But it feels good. I’m gonna sleep good tonight, I can tell you that.”
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates with teammates after a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Q&A
What happened to Ruby Meylan during the game against Arizona?
Ruby Meylan was hit by a line drive that ricocheted off her throwing hand, causing her to drop her glove and walk toward the dugout.
How did Oklahoma State softball perform against Arizona?
Oklahoma State softball won the game against No. 11 Arizona with a score of 7-5.
What did Coach Kenny Gajewski say about Ruby Meylan's injury?
Coach Kenny Gajewski expressed that he saw the season flashing before him but was relieved that Meylan was able to persevere through the pain.
Who contributed to Oklahoma State's victory with a home run?
Catcher Audrey Schneidmiller contributed to the victory by hitting a two-run homer in the fifth inning.
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The ball gets past Oklahoma Sooners infielder Ailana Agbayani (50) in the fifth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) celebrates at second base in front of Oklahoma Sooners infielder Gabbie Garcia (42) in the fifth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates during a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates with teammates after a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Lexi McDonald (31) celebrates at second base in front of Oklahoma Sooners infielder Ailana Agbayani (50) in the second inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma Sooners outfielder Kai Minor (22) dives for the ball in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma State coach Kenny Gajewski talks with Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) during a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) tries to control the ball as Oklahoma Sooners infielder Ailana Agbayani (50) slides to second in the fourth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls outfielder Kaya Booker (99) slides home to score a run in the fourth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls outfielder Jayelle Austin (34) celebrates beside Oklahoma Sooners infielder Ailana Agbayani (50) at second base after driving in a run in the fourth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
1 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates with teammates after a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
1 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates with teammates after a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
2 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
The ball gets past Oklahoma Sooners infielder Ailana Agbayani (50) in the fifth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
3 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) celebrates at second base in front of Oklahoma Sooners infielder Gabbie Garcia (42) in the fifth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
4 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates during a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
5 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Ruby Meylan (66) celebrates with teammates after a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
6 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Lexi McDonald (31) celebrates at second base in front of Oklahoma Sooners infielder Ailana Agbayani (50) in the second inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
7 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma Sooners outfielder Kai Minor (22) dives for the ball in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
8 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State coach Kenny Gajewski talks with Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Rosie Davis (26) during a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
9 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls infielder Aubrey Jones (7) tries to control the ball as Oklahoma Sooners infielder Ailana Agbayani (50) slides to second in the fourth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
10 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls outfielder Kaya Booker (99) slides home to score a run in the fourth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
11 / 11
Oklahoma State vs OU softball in Bedlam action in OKC, see top photos
Oklahoma State Cowgirls outfielder Jayelle Austin (34) celebrates beside Oklahoma Sooners infielder Ailana Agbayani (50) at second base after driving in a run in the fourth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Cowgirls provide critical response
Gajewski said he sensed poor energy around his team prior to Saturday’s game, a 9-1 run-rule win by Arizona.
Then the Wildcats struck for four runs in the top of the first inning, and Gajewski wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
“I initially thought, ‘Well, we’re gonna have to dig in. We’re gonna find out where we’re at,’” Gajewski said. “I was a little concerned, but seven innings, Ruby’s good.”
When leadoff hitter Claire Timm reached on a bunt single in the bottom of the first, Gajewski felt the mood rise, and his nerves settled. A walk and a single loaded the bases and Lexi McDonald continued her hot hitting with a two-run single.
Amanda Hasler singled in a run and another scored when Tia Warsop grounded into a double play, tying the game at 4.
From there, the offense was dialed in and Meylan rebooted, allowing one run on three hits over the final six innings to earn her 20th win of the year.
The responses to both the Saturday loss and Sunday’s early deficit were comforting for Gajewski.
“A great response by this program and this team,” he said. “When we answered back, I thought we were in a good spot. Ruby was more mentally fatigued than physically.
“We knew it was gonna be a grind, especially against a good, well-coached team. Good weekend.”
Oklahoma State's Audrey Schneidmiller (6) hits double during the college softball game between the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls and the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Stillwater, Okla., Thursday Feb. 26, 2026.
Oklahoma State's Audrey Schneidmiller (6) hits double during the college softball game between the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls and the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Stillwater, Okla., Thursday Feb. 26, 2026.
Audrey Schneidmiller with another clutch hit
Some of OSU’s biggest wins this season have included key hits by Schneidmiller.
She forced extra innings against Nebraska with a two-out, RBI single in the bottom of the seventh of an eventual OSU win. She put the Cowgirls up in the fourth inning of the Bedlam win on Wednesday night.
And after Arizona had answered to tie Sunday’s game at 5 in the top of the fifth, Schneidmiller drilled her third home run of the season for what turned out to be the game-winning runs.
But it wasn’t without a bit of drama.
As Schneidmiller came down the third base line, a teammate touched her before her foot hit home plate, which is not allowed. Arizona coach Caitlin Lowe argued for an out, but umpires issued a warning to OSU, as the rulebook calls for.
It led to a long delay as umpires confirmed the ruling and showed the rulebook to Lowe — and that left Schneidmiller feeling a bit nervous.
“I mean, wouldn’t anybody?” she said. “That was a crazy moment when you think what I just did for my team might be taken away. I’m really glad that it didn’t happen, but yeah, in the moment, I was pretty nervous.”
Scoring ahead of Schneidmiller on the play was outfielder Tia Warsop, who reached base on a bunt single, and advanced to third on a throwing error. The hit was the 100th of her career.
“I didn’t even know I was getting close to it, so that’s really fun,” Warsop said. “I just do it for the people behind me, so that feels good to do that for everyone.
“This was a super-important response for us today, especially from that first inning. We had a little talk about putting everything in, especially for Ruby. She’s thrown her butt off this entire series and we want to do it for her. And we responded.”
