AUSTIN – In their annual Strike Out Cancer day, the St. Edward's softball team honored Lexie Bell and all those affected by cancer. Lexie was an incoming freshman this season before being diagnosed with bone cancer in the spring of 2020. The Hilltoppers split Sunday's doubleheader, winning game one 2-1 before falling 3-1 in game two. 
 
GAME 1: SEU 2 – UTPB 1
 
With two outs in the first and a 3-0 count, KATHRYN CONNELLY put the Hilltoppers on the board with a solo homerun to right field. 
 
UTPB was able to load the bases with one out in the third, but starting pitcher MCKENNA LEAMON was able to work out of the jam, allowing just one run. 
 
The game remained tied 1-1 until EMILY KLANIKA opened the sixth with a single and was moved into scoring position on LAUREN WERNING's sacrifice bunt. A hard line drive back to the pitcher by JORDAN NEELY put runners on the corners with one out. 
 
ALEXIS MASSIE's slow dribbler to the right side allowed pinch runner CHARLOTTE NUCCIO to score, putting the Hilltoppers back on top 2-1 heading into the final frame. 
 
Leamon earned the win on the mound, scattering five hits with one run on three walks and six strikeouts. Connelly and VALERIE BRANT led at the plate, going 2-3. 
 
GAME 2: SEU 1 – UTPB 3
 
UTPB was able to manufacture a run in the third, fourth and sixth innings to lead 3-0. SEU took advantage of a Falcon error with two outs in the sixth to score their first run, never giving up as KAYLEE MCQUILLAN hustled around from second on Connelly's pop to short that was dropped. 
 
In their final at bat, St. Edward's got the tying runs on but were unable to bring them in to suffer the loss. 
 
CADIE BELLE CURRIE took the loss in the circle while GENISA MARRERO-CARTER led at the plate, going 2-3. 
 
St. Edward's moves to 12-12 on the year and 8-10 in Lone Star Conference play. They return to action on April 16, taking on #4 Texas A&M-Commerce for a doubleheader beginning at 4 pm.