SAN ANTONIO –  An offensive outburst gave way to dominant defenses as the Hilltoppers split Sunday's doubleheader at St. Mary's.
 
GAME 1: SEU 8 – STMU 4
 
SEU struck first with an RBI single to right center by KAYLEE MCQUILLAN in the second inning. The Rattlers scored two in the second and fourth to lead 4-1 before the Hilltoppers got hot in the fifth.
 
Two singles to open the inning started things off on a high note. MORGAN ARCIA's sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position. KATHRYN CONNELLY's single brought both runners home and VALERIE BRANT kept things going with an RBI single.
 
LAUREN WERNING put the icing on the inning with a two-out, three-RBI homerun to left center, putting SEU up 7-4.
 
A sacrifice fly by JORDAN NEELY added one more run for good measure as the Hilltoppers closed out the win.
 
MCKENNA LEAMON earned the win on the mound, allowing four runs on six hits with four walks and seven strikeouts. Werning led at the plate, going 2-2 with three RBIs and one walk.
 
GAME 2: SEU 1 - STMU 2 (8)
 
The offensive explosion gave way to dominating defensive performances in game two. The Rattlers scored one run in the second while holding the Hilltoppers scoreless through five innings.
 
GENISA MARRERO-CARTER started the inning with a single up the middle. A hit batter and walk loaded the bases. With two outs, EMILY KLANIKA brought Marrero-Carter home, tying the game.
 
The 1-1 tie remained intact, forcing extra innings. SEU was retired in order in the top of the eighth and STMU was able to steal the win in the bottom half of the inning.
 
Marrero-Carter led the way at the plate, going 3-4 with a triple. CADIE BELLE CURRIE suffered the loss in the circle, entering in relief and allowing one run on seven hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
 
St. Edward's improves to 14-17 on the year and 10-15 in Lone Star Conference play. They return home for the final time this season to face Eastern New Mexico on Friday.