AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's softball split its doubleheader against No. 14-ranked West Texas A&M, snapping the Lady Buffs' 15-game win streak.
Game 1: West Texas A&M 2, St. Edward's 1
In a defensive battle between St. Edward's and the No. 14-ranked West Texas A&M, only one error separated the Hilltoppers and Lady Buffs in a 2-1 West Texas A&M win.
St. Edward's starting pitcher MCKENNA LEAMON was solid in a complete-game performance, striking out four while surrendering four walks and two hits with one of the two West Texas A&M runs earned. West Texas A&M starter Emilee Boyer was just as good, striking out six with one hit surrendered before being replaced by Kyra Lair after back-to-back walks in the sixth.
Leamon walked Ruby Salzman and Boyer to open the fourth before Diana Murtha flied out for the inning's first out. Nikki Warren pinch-ran for Boyer, and Salzman and Warren executed a double steal, with Salzman scoring the unearned run on an overthrow to third from JERZIE PELHAM behind the plate.
Julie Guzman added an insurance run with a one-out solo blast to left field for the 2-0 lead.
St. Edward's put two on with one out in the sixth with back-to-back walks before Lair replaced Boyer in the pitcher's circle and struck out the next two hitters.
After the Hilltopper defense retired the six in order in the top of the seventh, ELLA HUTZLER hit a leadoff single to left field. YVONNE CASTILLO pinch-ran for Hutzler and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt executed by KAILEE SKIDGEL. After LAUREN HOYT went down swinging, MEGAN MORRIS and KATIE DILLON delivered back-to-back singles to left field, with Dillon driving in Castillo before Vidales grounded out to third to end the game.
Game 2: St. Edward's 1, West Texas A&M 0
In a game where hits were scarce between two stingy defenses, St. Edward's speed proved to be the difference in a 1-0 win over West Texas A&M.
West Texas A&M starting pitcher Emilee Wilson struck out St. Edward's leadoff hitter ARIANNA VIDALES in the bottom of the first, but the wild pitch allowed Vidales to reach safely. Then, KATIE DILLON hit a grounder to Johnson at shortstop, who overthrew second trying to turn the double play to put runners on first and third.
Finally, Dillon and Vidales executed a double steal, with the Lady Buffs perfectly cutting off the throw to second but unable to contend with Vidales's speed running home for the score.
It was all CADIE BELLE CURRIE and the Hilltopper defense would need. West Texas A&M sent several shots screaming into the outfield, but the Hilltopper defensive players appeared to be everywhere at once, covering ground at breakneck speed to rob hits.
Currie (W, 13-6) was excellent herself with four strikeouts and a walk, limiting West Texas A&M to no runs and three hits, retiring the Lady Buffs' lineup in order in five of the seven innings.
St. Edward's improves to 23-18 with a 17-15 conference record. The Hilltoppers and Lady Buffs will conclude the series tomorrow at noon.
