Pitching leads St. Edwards to opening-round victory against UT-Permian Basin, 2-0
4/30/2009 9:43:47 PM
The St. Edward’s softball team scratched out a 2-0 victory over Texas-Permian Basin in opening day play in the Heartland Conference Tournament Friday at Rattler Field.
St. Edward’s (39-19) and UT-Permian Basin (15-40) both struggled at the plate as neither team was able to capitalize on base runners.
The Hilltoppers finally broke through in the sixth inning when sophomores Courtney Lavender and Stacy Giles led off the inning with back-to-back home runs to put St. Edward’s ahead, 2-0.
The pitching staff took it from there, as the sophomore Diana Cezeaux (14-10) struck out two batters and coaxed a pop-up to end the game.
Freshman Paige Sandahl started the game and was brilliant, allowing just one hit, while walking three and striking out nine batters in 5.1 innings of work.
Cezeaux picked up the victory in relief, throwing 1.2 innings of hitless ball, while striking out three batters. She has won four-straight decisions and eight of her last nine.
The Hilltoppers advance to the winner’s bracket final on Friday. They will take on Incarnate Word who won a back-and-forth game against host St. Mary’s. First pitch is set for noon at Rattler Field. Logan Lawrence will have the broadcast live on the St. Edward’s Athletic Website.