Softball opened up its three game series with Schreiner University this Saturday afternoon. After two hard faught games, the Celts emerged victorious taking game one 12-4 and game two, 3-1.
Game One: UST 12 SCH 4
St. Thomas wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping to an early lead in the first inning as Izabella Hernandez reached base on an error, allowing Jaelyn Simmons to score.
Their offensive onslaught continued in the second inning when Simmons drove in two runs with a single, extending their lead to 3-0.
The third inning proved to be the turning point as St. Thomas exploded for six runs. Lindsey Gonzalez capitalized on a Schreiner error, driving in two unearned runs. Rebecca Archibald and Haley Lupian added RBIs, contributing to the 9-0 lead.
Schreiner showed signs of life in the third and fourth innings, with Laci Silva's two-run double and Yadira Lopez's RBI single, cutting the deficit to 9-4.
However, St. Thomas quickly responded in the fifth inning with Chloe Bennett's RBI single and Mallarie Munson's sacrifice fly, extending their lead to 11-4.
Munson's RBI double in the seventh inning put the finishing touch on St. Thomas' commanding performance, sealing the 12-4 victory.
Pitchers Victoria Sossaman and Lauren Trott held Schreiner's offense in check, allowing only four runs on eight hits while striking out seven.
Game Two: UST 3 SCH 1
St. Thomas wasted no time making their mark, with Chloe Bennett's clutch double in the first inning, driving in Haley Lupian, followed by Mallarie Munson's sacrifice fly that brought Jaelyn Simmons home, giving them an early 2-0 lead.
Schreiner clawed their way back into contention in the fourth inning when Celina Marchan's sacrifice fly allowed Laci Silva to score, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
As tensions rose in the final innings, St. Thomas remained composed, adding an insurance run in the seventh inning when Rebecca Archibald's bunt single brought Gabby Davila home, sealing the victory.
Allison Hughes delivered a standout performance on the mound for St. Thomas, pitching a stellar seven innings with seven strikeouts, earning her eighth win of the season.
Despite a valiant effort, Schreiner fell short, unable to overcome St. Thomas' resilient play.
With this win, St. Thomas continues to showcase their dominance in the SCAC, setting the stage for more thrilling matchups ahead.
