AUSTIN, Texas – The St. Edward's Softball team split a Saturday afternoon doubleheader against Heartland Conference rival Newman. The split gives the Hilltoppers series victories in their first two conference matchups of the year.
 
Game 1: SEU, 8-1
Newman (6-14, 1-2 HC) struck first with a run in its first turn at-bat.
 
St. Edward's (14-10, 4-2 HC) responded in a big way with seven runs in the second inning. Even though the Jet defense helped the cause with two errors, Hilltopper batters produced timely hits and a good eye to race out to the big lead. All four hits that inning were run-scoring plays and the Hilltoppers also had two bases-loaded walks to compile the 7-1 advantage.
 
One more run by the Hilltoppers in the fifth inning provided the final margin.
 
ASHLEE REX (3-2) continued her excellent pitching of late, winning her third game in her last four starts. She allowed just one run on three hits, while walking one and striking out a season-high seven batters.
 
SAMI WILLIAMS and MORGAN DUFOUR led the Hilltoppers at the plate with two hits each. Williams also drove in a team-high two runs.
 
Game 2: NU, 2-0
Newman, again, jumped out on the Hilltoppers, as they scored another run in the top of the first inning.
 
It looked as if there would be a repeat of the first game, as the St. Edward's bats woke up in the second inning. The home team produced three hits, but was unable to get a run across.
 
That seemed to hamper St. Edward's the rest of the game. In total, the Hilltoppers had five runners in scoring position and leadoff hits in four innings, but were unable to crack the scoring column.
 
Newman tacked on an insurance run in the seventh inning as the Jets salvaged the final game of the series.
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Saturday when they travel to take on Tarleton State in Stephenville. First pitch for the doubleheader is set for 1:00 p.m. Live stats will be available on GoHilltoppers.com