UD Softball Splits Doubleheader Against UT-Dallas
The University of Dallas Crusaders won their first game versus the UT-Dallas Comets after several lead changes, 17-14, but lost the nightcap 12-14. The two game series featured over 70 hits, numerous lead changes, lots of wind, and plenty of action.
UD started the night in precarious fashion, letting the Comets plate 6 runs in the first inning. Dallas' offense came on strong, however, and was able to match that with an offensive outburst of their own - scoring 6 runs in the bottom of the frame. The second inning had a similar battle as UTD scored a run, and Dallas countered back with a run to remain tied 7-7. Dallas then grabbed the lead after limiting UTD to no runs in the third while scoring two of their own for the 9-7 advantage. UD's lead lasted only lasted to the fourth, when the Comets tied up the game again with 2 runs. The final lead change came in the bottom of the 5th, when UD scored four more runs for a 13-7 lead. The Comets plated three in the sixth to bring the game within striking distance but Crusaders again scored four big runs in the bottom of the frame to give them a five run lead, 17-12. UT-Dallas fought back with two more runs in the 7th, but UD managed to shut them down for the 17-14 win.
Several Crusaders had huge games at the plate as the team stroked 18 hits and drove in 11 to go with the 17 runs. Freshman infielder Brittany Castro (Houston, TX/Langham Creek H.S), junior infielder Cheryl Hinze (Houston, TX/Langham Creek H.S.), and senior outfielder Amber Adams (Dallas, TX/Dallas Christian Academy) all had 3 hits. Castro had the best game at the plate, as she went 3-4, with 4 RBI, and scored once. Hinze went 3-5 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored, and Adams also went 3-5 while driving in a run and scoring 3 others. Castro and Adams had the only extra base hits (doubles) of the aforementioned trio. Senior pitcher Whitney Thomas (Fort Worth, TX/Nolan Catholic) stroked a double and scored three times in her 2-4 night. Thomas, junior outfielder Jesse Allen (Madison, MS/St. Andrew's Episcopal), sophomore infielder Rebecca Burns (River Ridge, LA/John Curtis Christian School), and freshman infielder Morgan Smith (Irving, TX/Bishop Dunne) all went 2-4, while Allen and Burns added 2 RBI. Allen also scored twice, Burns scored 3 times, and Smith crossed the plate once. For good measure Allen also added 2 steals and Smith stole 1 base in the big win over UT-Dallas.
Dallas began the second game well, tying the game 2-2 in the first inning with a homerun over left field by infielder/pitcher Whitney Thomas. Thomas had a solid game, hitting a double, as well as stepping up as relief pitcher for Reveles in the fifth inning. The Comets pulled ahead in the second inning, scoring two runs and sitting down Dallas 1-2-3 batters. After the fourth inning, UD brought the score up to 6-8 with freshman infielder Christina Jeffrey (Tomball, TX/Concordia Lutheran) scoring once and hitting a double for one RBI. Freshman infielder Brittany Castro continued her big night at the plate with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Sophomore pitcher Liana Reveles (Austin, TX/James Bowie H.S.) helped her cause with an RBI single. In the fifth inning, however, UT-D scored five times, taking the lead 13-6. The Dallas' bats still had a lot of fight in them, and the team scored five runs in the 6th to put the game within striking distance. UT-Dallas scored one more in the 7th, however, and Dallas' wasn't able to muster any more runs, ending the game down 14-12.
Dallas faces Concordia University this weekend on Saturday, April 10 in a doubleheader at 12:00pm and 2:00pm in Irving, TX. Sunday April 11th features a doubleheader versus Southwestern University at 2:00pm and 4:00pm.