MARSHALL, Texas – In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, the University of St. Thomas softball team showed heart, hustle, and resilience, but ultimately fell just short in a 7-6 loss to No. 1 East Texas Baptist in the NCAA Division III Regional. With the result, the Celts conclude an impressive 2025 season marked by determination and postseason grit.

After giving up a run in the first, the Celts stormed back in the third inning with a three-run rally. Delayne Moreno got UST on the board with an RBI single, and back-to-back hits from Jaelyn Simmons and Chloe Bennett gave the Celts a 3-1 lead.

ETBU responded with a three-run homer in the bottom half to go back in front, but the Celts weren't done yet.

In the fifth, UST pieced together another big inning. Bennett's RBI double tied the game at 4-4, followed by a sacrifice fly from Zoe Acosta and an RBI single from Izabelle Hernandez to regain a 6-4 advantage.

ETBU, however, delivered in the bottom of the seventh, tying the game with a two-run homer before sealing the win with a walk-off double to end the Celts' postseason run.

While the loss was heartbreaking, the Celts proved they could compete with the best in the country and wrap up their season with pride in the NCAA Tournament.