AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward's softball struck early in Game 1 and traded punches deep into the afternoon, but St. Mary's pulled away late in the opener before completing the Senior Day sweep with a 4-0 shutout in Game 2 at Diane Daniels Field.
 
In the first game, the Hilltoppers answered quickly after St. Mary's struck first, using a four-run second inning to take control.
 
ALYSSA BURDGE reached to spark the rally, and after an error extended the inning, ALEAH HERNANDEZ and SOFIA APONTE helped load the bases. ARIANNA VIDALES drove in a run with a groundout before Darian DeLeon delivered the big swing — a two-RBI double down the right-field line to push St. Edward's in front 4-1.
 
St. Mary's chipped away, scoring once in the third and again in the fifth on a solo home run to cut the deficit to one. The Rattlers then seized control in the sixth, stringing together four hits to plate three runs and take a 6-4 lead they would not relinquish.
 
DeLeon finished with two RBI, while Burdge, Hernandez, Aponte, and Mercado each recorded hits in the opener.
 
Game 2 turned into a pitcher's duel early, with KYLEN PADGETT matching zeros through three innings.
 
St. Mary's broke through in the fourth, manufacturing a run with a double, sacrifice bunt, and fielder's choice. The Rattlers added an unearned run in the fifth and created separation in the seventh, capitalizing on two hits and an error to extend the lead to 4-0.
 
Padgett went the distance, allowing five hits and just two earned runs while keeping the Hilltoppers within striking distance throughout.
 
St. Edward's was limited offensively in the finale, as St. Mary's pitcher Ariella Saenz tossed a complete-game no-hitter, striking out three and allowing just two baserunners.
 
The Hilltoppers honored their seniors between games, closing out the home slate at Diane Daniels Field.