BELTON, TEXAS – Less than 24 hours removed from an emotional victory over American Southwest Conference crosstown rival Hardin-Simmons, McMurry University senior pitcher Jenna Lewis stepped back in the circle Friday, May 12.
 
The War Hawks' staff leader produced another gritty effort against a powerful East Texas Baptist University line-up during day two of the 2023 ASC tournament. She battled around 10 Tigers hits, three of which went for extra bases, and managed to leave nine opposing base runners on due to two strikeouts and another impressive defensive display behind her.
 
Unfortunately, head coach David McNally's Maroon and White offense couldn't find the equation to offset four ETBU runs. Starter Hannah Kelly kept their bats off balance in key spots, including following a single from sophomore infielder Jade Dickens (Friendswood, Texas) and a double by freshman infielder Miranda Soileau (Houston, Texas) in the fifth and seventh innings.
 
McNally's crew appeared on the verge of replicating a final at-bat rally as they produced against tourney host Mary-Hardin-Baylor Thursday evening. Following Dickens' single, an error put runners on first and second with one out. A pop-up and fly ball stopped the comeback short, wrapping up a 4-0 winner's bracket defeat.
 
The War Hawks move into an elimination game Saturday, May 13, against either UMHB or LeTourneau University at 2 p.m. A win would advance them to a 5 p.m. clash with ETBU in the championship round.