AUSTIN, Texas – The St. Edward's softball offense exploded in game one before quieting in game two as SEU split their home opener double header 10-2 (5) and 2-4 Saturday.
 
GAME 1: SEU 10 – NEWMAN 2 (5 INNINGS)
 
The Hilltoppers exploded out of the gate, posting four runs in the first inning thanks, in large part, to KYLIE MICA's three-RBI double to center.
 
Newman got one run back in the second with an RBI double from Pope, but SEU answered right back thanks again to Mica who singled to drive home KATHRYN CONNELLY and keep the lead to four, 5-1.
 
SEU added two in third off a Jet error and SARA MACHADO's three-RBI home run to left field gave the Hilltoppers the run rule win.
 
ILIANA VARA was strong on the mound to earn the complete game win. She allowed two runs on six hits with no walks and two strikeouts. Mica ended game one going 2-3 with four RBI while Machado went 2-3 with 3 RBI.
 
GAME 2: SEU 2 – NEWMAN 4
 
After a one-two-three start defensively for the Hilltoppers, SEU went back to the plate and got runners in scoring position but were unable to push one across.
 
Newman was held at bay with the exception of the third inning where they pushed two across on three hits to take a 2-0.
 
The lead held and Newman added two more in the sixth to go up 4-0. St. Edward's made it interesting with a pair of runs in the sixth off the bat of Connelly who sent the ball over the left field fence, but were unable to get things going again in the seventh.
 
REAGAN CARTER suffered the loss, allowing four runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts. Connelly led at the plate, going 2-2 with two RBI and one run scored.
 
The Hilltoppers move to 4-8 on the season and 1-3 in Heartland Conference play. They remain at home to host #6 Angelo State for a double-header beginning at 1 pm.