AUSTIN, Texas – A chaotic game gave way to a thrilling finish when catcher JERZIE PELHAM delivered a walk-off double to deliver St. Edward's softball a 7-6 win to take the series 2-1 against the Cameron Aggies.
After a dominant performance by Cameron starting pitcher Josie Swafford in Friday's first game, the Hilltoppers cracked the code against her in the first inning on Saturday.
KATIE DILLON drew a leadoff walk, then stole second, setting up an RBI single from ELLA HUTZLER. Then, ALEXIS MASSIE, who drove several balls deep into the outfield on Friday for outs, broke through with a two-run blast that cleared the left-field fence for the 3-0 lead.
Errors cost St. Edward's the lead in the second. Swafford led off with a single through the left side of the infield, then Karis Clark moved her over with a sacrifice bunt. Then, Taylor Rowley put Cameron on the scoreboard with an RBI double to deep center.
Rena Toomey walked Kyndel McDaniel, and Ashlynn Bruce moved both runners into scoring position with a groundout to Hoyt at shortstop.
The Hilltoppers unraveled a little with back-to-back errors. First, Pelham lost the ball trying to pick off a runner at third, scoring Rowley. Then, Massie bobbled a grounder hit by Maci McMurtrey to score McDaniel.
St. Edward's committed another error in the third when Hoyt misplayed a one-hopper by Kylie French to start the inning. However, the defense regained its composure to produce three consecutive outs to leave French stranded at third.
The Hilltoppers retook the lead in the third, taking advantage of a big Cameron error. Dillon and HAILEY SONKA started the inning with a walk and single up the middle to put two on. Then, the duo executed a double steal, with Cameron catcher Kyndel McDaniel throwing to third with no one covering the base and left fielder Ashlynn Bruce misplaying the rolling ball in the outfield to score both runs.
JORDAN NEELY added an insurance run for St. Edward's in the sixth with an RBI double to right field, driving in YVONNE CASTILLO, who pinch-ran for Massie after the latter led off with a single.
St. Edward's needed it after Cameron roared back with three runs in the seventh to tie the game. KYLEN PADGETT, who replaced starter Rena Toomey in the pitcher's circle to start the fifth, walked Kelsye Loughman to start the inning. Then Khmari Edward's laid down a perfectly-placed bunt for a single to put two on.
The Hilltoppers turned to CADIE BELLE CURRIE, but an infield error loaded the bases, and a wild pitch scored. Kaiden Boren followed with a two-RBI single up the middle to tie the game. Currie walked Calrk, then Rowley lined into a double play to end the inning.
Dillon sparked the Hilltoppers in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff bunt for a single. Cameron compounded its troubles with an overthrow from the catcher on the same play, moving Dillon to second. Then, Sonka moved Dillon to third with a sacrifice bunt.
Pelham capped off the inning with a shot to deep center over the outfielder's glove for the standup double to score Dillon for the win.
St. Edward's managed nine hits off Swafford. Pelham finished 2-for-4 with the RBI. Massie hit 2-for-3 with two RBIs, and the run scored.
The Hilltoppers improved to 21-15 with a 15-12 conference record. St. Edward's will hit the road next week to play Angelo State on Thursday with a doubleheader Friday.
