Softball opened its SCAC series with #3 Texas Lutheran this Friday evening. After a full doubleheader of action, the Celts got their first win over TLU in program history.

Game 1: UST 8 TLU 3

It didn't take long for the scoring to start as Texas Lutheran struck first with two runs in the first inning. Faced with the 2-0 deficit, the Celts were looking for a spark on offense, and Lindsey Gonzalez answered the call. In the top of the second, Gonzalez cut the deficit in half with an RBI single, then Rebecca Archibald followed it up with an RBI of her own as the score was now tied 2-2. The Bulldogs quickly responded with a home run to regain the lead 3-2 and held the lead for two innings. When it got to the fifth inning, The Celt offense exploded for five hits leading to six runs capped off by a Mallarie Munson 2 RBI single to take control of the game 8-3. Then down to their final nine outs, Bailey Tisdale threw a three-pitch sixth inning and retired nine consecutive batters to secure St. Thomas softball's first ever victory over #3 Texas Lutheran. 

Notable Stats (via SCAC Record Book)

• This is Texas Lutheran's first home SCAC loss since March 29th 2014 and just their fifth overall loss since joining the conference in the same year

• Head Coach Angela Froboese is responsible for three of Texas Lutheran's five losses in her coaching career

• This is also TLU Starting Pitcher Ashlyn Strother's first loss in the circle since June 1st 2021

Game 2: UST 1 TLU 6

St. Thomas continued their strong start as Jaelyn Simmons came home in top of the first to take the 1-0 lead. Then after a quiet second inning from both teams, Texas Lutheran finally got on the board off a fielders choice to tie the game at one apiece. From there, the Bulldogs exploded for five hits that led to five runs to take a 5-1 lead at the end of the frame. As the game continued, the Celts struggled to put runners on base to try and regain the lead, as their outs were limited. Then with one more run of insurance, Texas Lutheran secured the 6-1 game two victory to even the series. 

Up next, softball goes for the series win against the Bulldogs tomorrow at 12 PM. Follow ustcelts.com for all scores and updates.

Photo Credit: Bryce Hayes - TLU Sports Information