Softball split their doubleheader with Concordia this Saturday afternoon. After a competitive game one, the Celts fell 12-9, before overcoming a nine run deficit to secure a game two 16-10 victory.
Game 1: UST 9 CTX 12
The game started with Concordia taking an early lead in the first inning as they crossed the plate on a walk. St. Thomas responded in the second inning with a sacrifice fly by Grace Torres, tying the game at 1-1.
Concordia regained the lead in the third inning with a two-run homer. However, St. Thomas mounted an impressive offensive surge in the fourth inning, scoring six runs highlighted by a grand slam from Chloe Bennett.
Concordia stormed back in the fifth inning, scoring seven runs to take a commanding lead.
In the end, St. Thomas fought valiantly, scoring two runs in the seventh inning, but it wasn't enough to overcome Concordia's lead.
Both teams showcased strong offensive performances, but Concordia's explosive fifth inning ultimately proved decisive in securing the victory.
Game 2: UST 16 CTX 10
Concordia stormed out of the gate in the first inning, with Kylie Kirk launching a three-run homer to set the tone. They continued their offensive onslaught in the second and third innings, adding to their lead with seven runs in two innings.
St. Thomas found themselves trailing 10-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning but mounted an incredible comeback. They exploded for 10 runs in the inning, fueled by key hits from Jaelyn Simmons, Chloe Bennett, and Haley Lupian. St. Thomas capitalized on Concordia's miscues, with several runs scoring on errors and wild pitches.
With the game tied at 10-10 after the fourth inning, St. Thomas continued to apply pressure, adding two more runs in the fifth inning and two more in the sixth inning to secure the victory.
Chloe Bennett led the offensive charge for St. Thomas, finishing with three hits and three RBIs, including a crucial double in the fourth inning. Izabelle Charles also had herself a game with three hits and two runs scored. Haley Lupian also made significant contributions, driving in two runs with a single in the fourth inning and another in the fifth inning. As a team, seven different Celts recorded a hit in their 16 run offensive showing.
Despite Concordia's early lead, St. Thomas showed resilience and determination, staging an impressive comeback to secure the win. The victory showcased St. Thomas's offensive firepower and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Lauren Trott had herself a stellar relief appearence to get the win. Trott tossed 4.1 innings and allowed just two runs, zero unearned, and notched four strikeouts in her first win of the season.
