The Kansas Jayhawks softball team faced a tough challenge in Game 1 of their final regular-season series, falling 8-1 to No. 13 Oklahoma State on Friday. With the loss, KU now sits at 33-17 overall and 13-9 in Big 12 play, while the Cowgirls improve to 36-13 and 15-7 in conference action.

The game remained scoreless through the first three innings, with both pitchers holding firm. But Oklahoma State broke through in the fourth, plating four runs off two base hits to seize control. The Cowgirls kept the pressure on in the fifth, launching two home runs to stretch their lead to 6-0.

Kansas finally got on the board in the sixth inning when Anna Soles ripped a double, driving in Kadence Stafford for the Jayhawks' lone run of the contest. However, Oklahoma State answered with two more home runs in the bottom of the sixth to put the game out of reach at 8-1.

Chloe Barber took the loss in the circle for KU, working 4.1 innings and allowing five hits and six runs. She struck out three and walked two. Lizzy Ludwig and Samantha Claire provided relief, with Ludwig surrendering two hits and two runs over five batters faced.

The Jayhawks will look to bounce back and even the series on Saturday, May 2, with first pitch scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT. It's a crucial matchup as Kansas aims to build momentum heading into the postseason.