Softball Sweeps Doubleheader from Hilltoppers

SAN ANTONIO – A sweep over your rival is a terrific way to kick off the home portion of your season and that's exactly what the St. Mary's Softball team accomplished on Sunday, winning 2-1 in 10 innings and 1-0 in a regular seven-inning contest.
 
Senior Bari Christian (San Antonio) scored two of the team's three runs on the day, despite not getting any hits. Christian walked three times as the Rattlers took advantage of the free bases. Both Elgin, Texas seniors Jayme Johns and Victoria Aldridge recorded three hits with at least one in each of the twinbill.
 
The Rattlers improved to 15-3 on the season and will start Lone Star Conference action on Friday, March 4, hosting Texas A&M International for a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m. The games will also serve as the 20th Anniversary celebration of the 2002 NCAA Championship team.
 
GAME ONE RECAP
The Rattlers scored one in the bottom of the second and the Hilltoppers (7-4) answered in the top of the third. Neither team could plate a run until the bottom of the 10th when the Rattlers walked it off.
 
After freshman Jadyn Abrego (San Antonio) retired the Hilltoppers in order in the top of the second, including striking out two, the Rattlers got to work in their half. With one out, Christian drew the base on balls. Freshman catcher Jamison Holder (Magnolia, Texas) singled, but was out at second trying to stretch it to a double. Senior Tiffany Licon (Austin, Texas) doubled to left to score Christian and give StMU the 1-0 lead.
 
In the top of the third a single, sacrifice bunt, error and another single tied the score at 1-1.
 
More than an hour later, in the bottom of the 10th with one out, Aldridge singled to left and was successfully bunted to second by sophomore Ericka Gomez (Stafford, Texas) and Aldridge scored on a single to left off the bat of Johns for the win.
 
Abrego worked four innings, allowing an unearned run on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Fellow freshman Savannah Youngblood (Kingwood, Texas) pitched the final six innings to improve to 5-1 on the season. She surrendered three hits, walked two and fanned one.
 
GAME TWO RECAP
Junior Catalina Cavazos (Houston) pitched a complete game shutout to remain undefeated in 2022. She's now 6-0 after giving up just four hits, walking two and striking out six.
 
Christian scored the only run of the game in the second. She led off the frame with a walk, stole second and moved to third on the throw. She scored on a single to left by senior Abigale Carney (El Paso, Texas). 
 
The Rattlers had five hits in the game by five different players and Christian drew the only walk of the contest.