Softball starts Trinity Series with Pair of 1-Run Setbacks
IRVING, Texas – The University of Dallas softball team fell in a pair of one-run decisions to Trinity University on Friday. The Crusaders scored first in both contests but were unable to keep the guests from going out in front later.
Gabbie Underwood (La Verne, Calif.) put the Crusaders on top 1-0 in the first inning with a single through the left side. That was the lone run for UD, as Trinity answered immediately in the next half inning. A run in the fifth proved to be the difference for the Tigers.
In game two, Mel Savala (Bryan, Texas) tripled in the fourth inning for the first runs of a scoreless matchup. It was a short lead again, as Trinity countered with two runs in the fifth. A go-ahead run in the sixth on a single by Devon Potter secured the doubleheader sweep to start the series.
(Game 1 Information)
Team Scores: Trinity (2), Dallas (1)
Team Records: Trinity (12-13, 5-8 SCAC), Dallas (5-14, 0-5 SCAC)
Pitcher Records: W) Holbrook (6-6), L) Watts (3-7)
The Crusaders took advantage of a walk by Alicia Enciso (Corona, Calif.) and Mackenzie Tano (Wylie,Texas) reaching on an error to start the bottom of the first. Trinity got the lead runner at third for the first out, but then a double steal put Tano and Liz Cordova (Oklahoma City, Okla.) in scoring position for Underwood. The previous SCAC Hitter of the Week kept her hitting streak going at eight with a smack through the left part of the infield.
Dallas put up a pair of hits in the second inning, but never had a runner reach second until the seventh after that juncture. With the game knotted at one in the second, Dallas tried to break the tie, but Caitlyn Stevenson (Henderson, Nev.) was thrown out from center.
The Tigers had evened the score in the previous half inning on a single through the left side by Marisa Trevino. Rebecca Berreth drove home the eventual game-winning run in the fifth.
Savala would advance to second on a groundout in UD's final chance to bat. However the third out was made a batter later to end things.
Trinity outhit the Crusaders 9-5. Underwood led the home team with a 2-for-3 and RBI. Stevenson, Savala, and Tera Espinosa (Caldwell, Texas) each recorded a base knock.
A trio of Tigers had multi-hit showings including: Potter, Sara McCarty, and Trevino. Stephanie Crumrine ripped a double for the only extra-base hit in the game.
It was a pitcher's duel between Trinity's Allie Holbrook and UD's Maggie Watts (Arcadia, La.) Holbrook won in the complete game with five hits, one unearned run, and two walks allowed. She fanned four. Watts had the hard loss by working around nine hits, but allowed the two runs. She struck out three and did not allow a free pass.
(Game 2 Information)
Team Scores: Trinity (3), Dallas (2)
Team Records: Trinity (13-13, 6-8 SCAC), Dallas (5-15, 0-6 SCAC)
Pitcher Records: W) Edwards (5-6), L) Watts (3-8)
Despite doubling the Crusaders in hits, 12-6, in the second game, it was another low-scoring contest. Neither team broke through until the home fourth inning. Savala crushed a ball to center field and was able to plate both of Dallas' runs. Stevenson and Julie Duenas (Houston, Texas) came around to score on the one-out hit.
Trinity responded in the next half inning with two runs. Emily Reed singled down the left field line to cut the deficit in half. The lone error by either side happened with two outs and allowed Trevino to reach. Pinch runner Gina Monaco came in to score that tying run.
Potter would get the go-ahead RBI on a hit in the sixth inning. The Tigers did leave 10 runners on base in the game.
A two-out double to right by Enciso gave the Crusaders one last opportunity in the seventh, but a pop up ended the game.
Enciso was the only UD hitter with more than a hit, as both her knocks went for two-baggers. She added a walk. Cordova, Underwood, Stevenson, and Savala also etched hits.
Lauren Galvan (Bryan, Texas) threw 4.1 innings in the start. She allowed two runs (1 earned) on nine hits and struck out two. Watts gave up the go-ahead run in 2.2 innings of relief for her second loss in the series.
Trinity did not record an extra-base hit. Hailey Wilson was a perfect 4-for-4 and run scored. Potter, Reed, and McCarty added two-hit games.
Adrienne Edwards took the win in a complete game effort. She struck out four and yielded two runs on six hits to go with three walks.
UP NEXT
These teams conclude the series on Saturday. First pitch of the doubleheader set for 12 p.m.