OKLAHOMA SCENE

OKC Dodgers anthem auditions set for Saturday

The Oklahoman and Oklahoma City Dodgers will host open auditions for national anthem singers for the upcoming 2017 season Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Penn Square Mall.

The initial 180 time slots are filled, but performers still interested in auditioning can join a standby list at the mall starting at 10 a.m. If a performer doesn’t show up, those in the standby line can audition.

The grand prize winner will perform the anthem on opening night vs. the Iowa Cubs on April 6. Additional winners will perform throughout the year.

OCU women advance to Elite Eight on buzzer-beaters

Two buzzer-beating shots, one from halfcourt at halftime and another on the final play, were the difference as Oklahoma City defeated Montana Western 81-79 at the NAIA Division I women’s basketball tournament in Billings, Mont. on Friday.

Mariana Duran made a halfcourt shot at the end of the first half, but OCU still trailed 39-32 at the break. Trailing by eight at the end of the third quarter, OCU made a run to take its first lead since the first quarter with 5:37 remaining.

After a back-and-forth finale minutes, Montana Western tied the game with eight seconds remaining

with a pair of free throws.

Daniela Galindo made the game-winning shot for the the Stars at the buzzer to advance.

Brooke Irwin was OCU’s leading scorer with 24 points. Galindo had 23 points, and Daniela Wallen added 22 points.

OCU will played Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) in the quarterfinals Saturday at 3 p.m.

Mid-America women lose to Emmanuel in NCCAA semifinals

Emmanuel (Ga.) made two free throws with 12 seconds remaining to defeat Mid-America Christian 75-74 in the National Christian College Athletic Association women’s semifinal in Winona Lake, Ind. on Thursday night.

Mid-America trailed by 18 points entering the fourth quarter, but outscored Emmanuel 24-7 in the final quarter. Sarai Rodriguez was the leading scorer for MidAmerica with 19 points.

Mid-America will play Roberts Wesleyan College in the third-place game Saturday at 11 a.m.

OCU softball bests record start

Oklahoma City softball improved to school-record 30-0 start with a doubleheader victory vs. Southwestern Assemblies of God (Texas) on Thursday night.

OCU won the first game 8-0 and the second game 11-0.