MARSHALL, Texas – McMurry University Softball had the tall task of facing a nationally-ranked opponent on the road this weekend, as No. 7 East Texas Baptist defeated the War Hawks 3-1 in the series finale Saturday afternoon.
The War Hawks are now 13-9 overall and are even in conference play with a 7-7 record, while the defending American Southwest Conference champions improve to 18-5 overall and 12-3 in conference games with the three-game sweep.
Saturday's contest was the closest of the three games, as ETBU scored two runs in the first inning and another in the second for an early lead. Junior pitcher Kinleigh Stotts buckled down after that though, shutting down the Tigers the rest of the way.
Stotts allowed just three runs in 6.0 innings for the quality start, despite the loss.
McMurry's lone run came in the sixth inning, as Aliyah Tanguma hit a leadoff single to break up a no hitter then was followed by Angelica Abila with a double to put runners on second and third. Emily Michki drove Tanguma home with an RBI groundout.
Kathryn Reed earned the win for ETBU to improve to a 7-1 record in the circle.
The War Hawks look to snap a five-game skid next week at Edwards Field as they welcome UT Dallas. The series starts with a 3 p.m. doubleheader on Friday, March 25 and concludes Saturday, March 26 at 12 p.m.
