The St. Edward's softball team won its first-ever Heartland Conference Tournament Title Saturday afternoon with a 9-7 victory over Incarnate Word at Rattler Field. With the victory, the Hilltoppers advance to their fourth-straight NCAA Regional appearance.
St. Edward's (41-19) opened the scoring in the first inning when sophomore Courtney Lavender and freshman Lana Jo Hairston had RBI-singles to put the Hilltoppers ahead, 2-0.
Incarnate Word (28-33) fought right back, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Cardinals recieved a solo home run from Alex Carraman, and a two-run home run by Lea Padilla.
After the first batters reached base for St. Edward's, freshman Megan Bailey produced a RBI-single. Lavender picked up her second RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly later in the inning.
In the top of the fourth inning Bailey led off with a home run to right field to increase the lead to 5-3.
The Cardinals came back to tie the game at 5-5, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Alex Hinojosa led off the inning with a single. After Jenny Whitt pinch ran for her she stole second base. Padilla drove in Whitt for the first run of the inning. Padilla also scored as Michelle Luna brought her in with a triple.
The Hilltoppers responded with two runs in the sixth inning. Both Paul and Lavender had back-to-back RBI-singles to put St. Edward's ahead, 7-5.
St. Edward's added two more runs in the top of the seventh inning and held off a late charge from Incarnate Word as they also scored to in the bottom of the inning.
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Friday when they open play in the NCAA South Central Regional. Time, opponent and location have yet to be determined. Check back on the St. Edward's Athletic Web Site.
Heartland Conference All-Tournament Team
C-Courtney Lavender, St. Edward's
C-Kelly Baker, St. Mary's
1B-Lana Jo Hairston, St. Edward's
2B-Chelsea Muskopf, Incarnate Word
SS-Lexi Stephens, St. Edward's
SS-Alex Carraman, Incarnate Word
OF-Meagen Bailey, St. Edward's
OF-Michelle Luna, Incarnate Word
OF-Samantha Garcia, TAMU-International
DP-Lea Padilla, Incarnate Word
UT-Arlynda Flores, St. Mary's
P-Diana Cezeaux, St. Edward's
P-Erica Hollingsworth, UT-Permian Basin
MVP-MEAGEN BAILEY, ST. EDWARD'S