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TWU
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Life > Athletics > Softball > March 5
HOME RUNS NOT ENOUGH FOR PIONEERS
AUSTIN , Texas – In the second day of play at the St. Edward’s Tournament the No. 24 Texas Woman’s University softball team fell to New Mexico Highlands, 4-1, and No. 11 St. Mary’s, 3-2.
The Pioneers (7-5) were lackluster against NMHU before regaining their focus against St. Mary’s.
Against the Cowgirls defensive miscues hurt TWU. The team had three errors and Lindsey Russ-Keller hit two batters leading to four runs. The Pioneers offense couldn’t overcome the defensive problems managing just two hits. Amanda Arnold hit a home run to account for one hit and the only run. Russ-Keller (4-3) finished with seven strikeouts in the loss.
“We weren’t focused and the offense wasn’t very aggressive on the first pitch which was usually a strike,” head coach Dianne Baker said.
The Pioneers suffered a heart breaking loss against the Rattlers in the bottom of the seventh inning. TWU used all three pitchers in the game. Amanda Chambless started in the circle throwing three innings before Crystal Hankel relieved her. Russ-Keller entered in the sixth inning.
“The plan starting the game was to use all three pitchers to keep St. Mary’s off balance,” Baker added.
The Rattlers scored two in the fourth on a defensive misplay. Then Stefani Easter tied the game up with a two-run homer, her first of the season. In the seventh, St. Mary’s utilized a single, walk and double to win the game.
TWU had seven hits but could not string them together. Courtney Martin and Amanda Emory paced the offense with two hits each.
“We can’t give up a walk in the seventh inning and make errors in big games. To beat a nationally ranked team you can’t have mistakes,” Baker said.
The Pioneers wrap up the tournament with games against Western New Mexico and Incarnate Word on March 6.
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