UST Softball opened their inaugural season Saturday at Letourneau University. The Celts split the series by dropping game one, 3-1 and pulling out an extra-inning thriller, 12-11.
Game 1
The Celts spent game one chasing the Yellow Jackets for the entirety of the game. A two-out home run from LETU's Callie Poore gave the Yellow Jackets the 2-0 advantage. The following inning, LETU scored on an error to extend their lead to three. UST was held hitless until the top of 5th when Taylor Le recorded the first ever hit for the UST Softball program. On their last leg the Celts gave the Yellow Jackets a scare in the top of the 7th. Kayleigh Deakle scored the first run of the season, advancing on an error. This left the tying runs on first and second with only one out. However, the Yellow Jacket pitching prevailed and closed the game out with two consecutive outs.
Game 2
The back end of the doubleheader featured more runs and more excitement. The Celts were able to secure their first ever win in dramatic fashion. UST's bats were alive to start the game. With their first three batters all reaching base, Mallarie Munson came up to the plate with bases loaded. After being hit by a pitch, the first run of the game crossed home plate. A few pitches later, a sacrifice fly from Brenna Reuther knocked Mia Terry in to put the Celts up 2-0.
After having these two runs answered in the bottom of the second, the Celts responded with a four-run 3rd inning. Reuther yet again recorded an RBI as her double knocked in Grace Coffelt. Taylor Le would join the party with a two RBI single of her own as Emma Friesenha and Brenna Reuther would score.
Their lead would quickly vanish as LETU would post a five-run 3rd inning followed by a three-run 4th. However, the Celts' bats would soon get hot again as they scored in the last four innings of the game. With the game tied entering the top of the 7th, Reuther would yet again answer with a huge RBI to give UST the lead, 11-10. A timely double for LETU's Callie Poore drove in a run to force extra innings. Heading into the top of 8th, a runner is to be placed on second base to start the inning. After a sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly by Taylor Le, Emily Friesenha crossed home plate to give the Celts the advantage. After a one-two-three inning by UST, the celebration could begin as they claimed their first victory in program history.
The Celts will be back in action Wednesday, as they host Texas A&M San Antonio.
