Saints Edge Softball on Wednesday

SAN ANTONIO — The long ball was working for both teams on Wednesday as the St. Mary's University and Our Lady of the Lake Softball teams combined to hit five home runs in a 7-6 OLLU win.
 
Both junior Raegan Tennill (Corpus Christi, Texas) and sophomore Gabriela Banda (San Antonio) hit home runs for the Rattlers (1-5), hitting them in the five-run third inning to almost the exact same place in left field. The Rattlers added one run in the sixth but were unable to regain the lead.
 
It is the first grand slam of Tennill's career, though it is the third time in her career she's left the yard. It is also the first home run this season for Banda and the second of her career. 
 
Junior Emily Ayala (San Antonio) allowed six runs on five hits in her first start of the season, pitching 4 2/3 innings. Junior Ariella Saenz (Pharr, Texas) was in the circle for the final 1 1/3 innings, allowing one run on two hits and falling to 0-3 on the year.
 
The eight hits by the Rattlers were all by different players and a pair of freshmen, Miah Corona (Eddy, Texas) and Izabella Valdez (San Antonio), each recorded pinch-hit singles in the sixth inning as the team attempted the comeback. Tennill and junior Abigail Dela Rosa (La Grange, Texas) also added stolen bases on the day.
 
St. Mary's continues its busy week, hosting Colorado Christian for a doubleheader on Thursday beginning at noon. The Rattlers also welcome MSU Denver to town for a doubleheader on Friday at noon, before closing the week with a single game against CCU on Saturday at 11 a.m.