On Monday, the St. Edward's softball team gathered to watch the NCAA Division II Softball Selection Show, rejoicing when the team learned it made the program's first NCAA Regional since 2014.
Not long after, the team shifted its focus to solving a puzzle no one has since March 10 in the Texas-Tyler Patriots. The recently crowned conference champions and South Central Region 1 host are riding a 31-game winning streak into the NCAA Tournament and haven't lost at home in 28 games this season.
St. Edward's has had as good a look at the Patriots as anyone, having faced them four times in the past three weeks.
"We know UT-Tyler will come out pitching well, playing tough defense, and ready to swing the bat," St. Edward's head softball coach Leah Glasgow says. "Our team will need to focus on playing our best softball and look to keep our energy up throughout the game."
The Hilltoppers have been as competitive as anyone against the Patriots as one of only two Lone Star Conference teams that haven't been run-ruled by Texas-Tyler, along with West Texas A&M. St. Edward's has held Texas-Tyler under its average of 6.67 runs per game in two of the four contests, dropping 4-1 and 3-0 losses in the three-game home series.
All-Conference pitcher CADIE BELLE CURRIE started both those games and was solid in four innings of relief in the LSC Tournament, posting a 3.11 ERA in 18 innings against the seventh-highest scoring team in the nation.
"We have performed really well in the pitching circle and on defense. We hope to continue that throughout this regional appearance," Glasgow says. "Although we haven't produced like we would like to offensively, we have found ways to manufacture runs, which has allowed us to stay competitive with some of the best teams throughout the year."
Whether facing LSC Pitcher of the Year Tatum Goff or Shea O'Leary, an NCAA Division I transfer from the University of Texas, St. Edward's offense faces a tall task but has had some success, including an opponent-high four runs against Texas-Tyler in the LSC Tournament.
Senior JORDAN NEELY has done the most damage, hitting .444 with a .667 slugging percentage in nine at-bats against Texas-Tyler. All-conference freshman ARIANNA VIDALES has also been solid, hitting .333 with two walks in four games. Vidales has been a standout in center field and at the leadoff spot all season, hitting .328 with 27 stolen bases and 28 runs scored.
The Hilltoppers have also relied on several first- and second-year students at the heart of the order, including KATIE DILLON, JERZIE PELHAM, and ELLA HUTZLER, all getting postseason experience early in their collegiate careers.
"I couldn't be more excited to see our younger athletes perform for our program," Glasgow says. "I am proud of what they have accomplished this year and look forward to seeing their full impact on the program as they grow through their careers."
The rest of the Regional field is familiar territory, with all four teams coming from the Lone Star Conference. The Hilltoppers lost three games on the road against Lubbock Christian and won the season series at Oklahoma Christian.
In the aggregate, St. Edward's is hovering above .500 with a 27-26 record. However, broken down into small sample sizes, the Hilltoppers have been able to punch above their weight by playing a style that when executed correctly, distills each game into one or two moments to determine the winner.
St. Edward's is 14-3 in games decided by one run, with four walk-off wins. The record in clutch situations is a testament to the team's resiliency, which comes in part from a group that loves playing together and wants to extend its time doing so as much as possible.
"This team is really special in regards to how connected they are," Glasgow says. "I believe that this chemistry is what has helped us in tight games. They truly care about each other and support one another. I know they will fight for each other and the program to the last inning."
St. Edward's opens the NCAA Regional against host Texas-Tyler on Thursday at noon, with Oklahoma Christian and Lubbock Christian playing the second game of the day. The winners of each game will face off on Friday at noon, with the other two teams playing an elimination game at 3:00 p.m., followed by another elimination game between the two one-loss teams at 6:00 p.m.
The championship game is on Saturday at noon, with a second game following if necessary.
