ABILENE, Texas – Saturday was perhaps the most eventful game day for McMurry University's softball team this season, as the War Hawks defeated Howard Payne University by a 6-1 final in front of a capacity crowd at Edwards Field.
The win secured a three-game sweep and a guaranteed spot in the American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament for McMurry – who improved to 19-15 overall and an even 13-13 in the ASC.
Following the victory was McMurry's senior day celebration as nine players and one former player were honored at the end of the game alongside their families and friends. The seniors are Camille Scott, Jessika Truax, Kasey Woolard, Dehlila Cantu, Kelsey Ahart, Madison Morgan, Kayla Otis, Cayleigh England, Emily Michki and former player Reyna Garcia.
All nine current seniors appeared in Saturday's game.
Howard Payne (5-31, 2-25 ASC) threatened early with an RBI single in the second inning, leading 1-0 until the fourth inning. Things began to turn in the bottom of the fourth, as the War Hawks went on a six run rally to surge ahead.
Michki started the inning with a four-pitch walk, then moved up to third on a double by England. Truax tied the game with an RBI single, bringing home her fellow senior. Ahart then subbed into hit and put one into play, grounding home Jesse Stephenson for the lead.
Mercedes Camacho singled with the bases loaded to extend the lead, scoring two runners. She was followed by the hot bat of Angelica Abila, who hit her fourth double of the series two bring home two more. Abila finished the weekend 6-for-11 with six RBI, two runs scored and a pair of walk-off hits.
The circle was occupied exclusively by seniors. Camille Scott earned the start and her first win of the season with 6.0 innings pitched. She allowed just one run – unearned – with two walks. Madison Morgan came in for the seventh and recorded the final three outs with just one single allowed.
The War Hawks will hit the road for their final series of the regular season at Concordia Texas. The three-game set begins Friday, April 29 with a 2 p.m. doubleheader and concludes Saturday, April 30 at 12 p.m.
The 2022 ASC Softball Championship Tournament is set for May 5-7 and will be hosted by the league's top seed. McMurry currently sits in sixth place in the standings with potential to earn one of the 5-7 seeds.
