TYLER, Texas – St. Edward's was up to the challenge as they faced the #3 team in the nation Sunday, but were ultimately unable to string together enough hits to drop both games of the doubleheader at UT Tyler.
 
GAME 1: SEU 2 – #3 UTT 5
 
UT Tyler came out swinging and scored two runs in the first and three in the second to go up 5-0. St. Edward's regrouped and started to close the gap with a solo shot to left field by ALEXIS MASSIE. EMILY KLANIKA's single to short in the fourth scored VALERIE BRANT, pulling SEU within three, 5-2.
 
Pitching and defense took over from there on out with neither team able to score any runs the remainder of the way.
 
Klanika led at the plate, going 2-4 with one RBI. MCKENNA LEAMON suffered the loss in the circle despite holding a hot Patriot team to just six hits, posting five strikeouts.
 
GAME 2: SEU 0 - #3 UTT 6
 
Once again, UT Tyler struck first with a run in the first, second and fourth innings. The Hilltoppers sprinkled hits throughout the contest but were unable to string anything together until getting runners at the corners in the fifth with one out.
 
The Patriots were able to work out of the jam unscathed and the Hilltopper opportunities were held to a minimum as they suffered the loss.
 
Five Hilltoppers recorded one hit in game two while CADIE BELLE CURRIE suffered the loss in the circle.
 
St. Edward's falls to 12-14 on the year and 8-12 in Lone Star Conference play. They return to action on Friday, hosting Angelo State for a doubleheader starting at 1 pm.