HOUSTON,TX- The University of St. Thomas (UST) Celts kicked off their conference season in thrilling fashion, securing a doubleheader sweep against McMurry University on Saturday. With the wins, the Celts improved to 3-3 overall and 2-0 in conference play, showcasing their resilience and offensive firepower in both games.  
 

Game 1: Celts 9, McMurry 8 

The Celts came out swinging in the first game, determined to make an early statement. In the bottom of the 1st inning, Olivia Sanchez singled to center field, driving in Samantha Crumrin and allowing Chloe Bennett to score, giving UST a 1-0 lead. McMurry responded quickly, tying the game in the top of the 2nd. 

The Celts regained the lead in the bottom of the 3rd when Olivia Sanchez delivered again, singling to right field to bring home Jaelyn Simmons and Samantha Crumrin, making it 3-1. However, the Warhawks fought back in the top of the 4th, scoring three runs to take a 4-3 lead. 

After a scoreless 5th inning, McMurry extended their lead to 5-3 in the top of the 6th. But the Celts weren't done yet. In the bottom of the 6th, UST loaded the bases and capitalized on a walk to score one run, cutting the deficit to 5-4. A clutch double to center field then gave the Celts a 6-5 lead, and a subsequent error by McMurry allowed two more runs to score, putting UST ahead 8-5. 

The Warhawks refused to go quietly, tying the game at 8-8 in the top of the 7th thanks to an error that brought in two runs. But the Celts had the final say. In the bottom of the 7th, Rebecca Archibald stepped up with a single to first base, driving in Gabby Davila to secure a dramatic 9-8 walk-off victory. 

 Game 2: Celts 10 McMurry 2 

Riding the momentum from their Game 1 victory, the Celts started strong in Game 2. They took an early 2-0 lead, scoring in the top of the 1st and bottom of the 2nd innings. McMurry cut the deficit to 2-1 in the top of the 3rd, but UST responded immediately. Lindsey Gonzalez singled to right field, driving in Maegan Anderson and Chloe Bennett to extend the lead to 4-1. 

The Celts broke the game open in the bottom of the 4th. With the bases loaded, Chloe Bennett delivered a key hit, allowing Delayne Moreno and Gabby Davila to score. Samantha Crumrin followed with a double to center field, bringing home Rebecca Archibald and making it 7-1. 

McMurry managed a solo home run in the top of the 5th, but the Celts sealed the deal in the bottom of the inning, adding three more runs to close out the game with a commanding 10-2 victory. 

 Up Next 

The Celts will return to action tomorrow to complete their three-game series against McMurry. The game starts at 12PM. For more updates, visit ustcelts.com or follow @ustsoftball on Instagram.