AUSTIN, Texas – McMurry University Softball opened its final three-game series of the regular season with a two-game split against Concordia Texas on Friday in Austin, winning the nightcap to even the series.
With the American Southwest Conference Tournament looming next week, the War Hawks (20-16, 14-14 ASC) improved its odds to earn the fifth seed with the split. They trail UT Dallas by a half-game and can move ahead with a win tomorrow and a UTD loss to Belhaven.
Meanwhile, Concordia Texas (13-23, 10-19 ASC) remains tied for eighth place and will battle LeTourneau for the final spot in the tournament. LeTourneau owns the head-to-head and can win its way in, while CTX will need to win tomorrow and hope for a LETU loss.
The series finale and regular season finale is set for 1 p.m. in Austin.
Game 1: Concordia Texas 2, McMurry 1
Junior Jenna Lewis pitched a strong game, allowing just two runs on three hits in a complete 6.0 inning game, but it was not enough as the Tornados held on for a 2-1 win.
CTX ace Bailey Tisdale earned the win with 6.2 innings pitched and one run allowed on seven hits, but Keeley Etchinson came in for the final out and earned the save.
After two runs crossed for CTX in the third on a fielder's choice and a sac fly, the War Hawks reached at least one runner the next four innings in an attempt to rally. The first three times were shut down, but the seventh and final inning saw the team's lone run cross.
Jade Dickens led off the seventh with a single, but CTX was able to erase the baserunner with a double play. Kelsey Ahart than pinch hit for Mercedes Camacho and singled on to keep the game alive. Camacho re-entered to run and moved up on an Angelica Abila single.
Grace Duecker followed suit with a single of her own to score Camacho. Etchinson was then subbed in to face Emily Michki with the go-ahead run on base, but she forced a deep flyout to end the game.
Game 2: McMurry 4, Concordia Texas 0
The War Hawks atoned for the first loss with a shutout victory, as Kinleigh Stotts dominated for a complete game shutout. She went 7.0 innings with five hits and two walks allowed, but struck out four to win unscathed.
McMurry wasted no time going to work with three consecutive singles from Grace Duecker, Emily Michki and Kasey Woolard to load the bases with one out. Kelsey Ahart was next, drawing a walk to bring home Duecker.
Two more crossed in the second inning as Emily Michki doubled home both Duecker and Jade Dickens to make it 3-0. One more crossed in the fourth as Dickens touched home again on an RBI groundout.
The top four hitters in the order combined for five of the team's nine hits. Michki and Dickens had two-hit days, while Abila added a double. Duecker, Woolard and Jesse Stephenson also added hits.
