Softball Drops Pair in Road SCAC Doubleheader

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin College softball team dropped both halves of its Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader at Concordia University-Texas on Saturday, falling 6-0 in the first game and 4-0 in game two. With the losses, the 'Roos drop to 4-14 overall and 4-12 in SCAC play, while the Tornados improve to 18-4 overall and 13-3 in the conference.

In the opener, Concordia starting pitcher Kylie Kirk kept the Austin College offense at bay, tossing a complete-game shutout with 10 strikeouts. The 'Roos managed just two hits, getting a third-inning single from Emma Freiermuht and a fifth-inning single from Reagan Brinkley, but ultimately stranded eight runners on base.

The Tornados took a 3-0 lead in the second inning, capitalizing on an Austin College error before Malarie Mican delivered a sacrifice fly and Christian Everett stole home. Concordia doubled its advantage in the fifth inning. Molly Olivarez lined a two-run single through the right side, and Karlee Mathis followed with an RBI single to cap the scoring at 6-0.

Zoey Harrell took the loss for the 'Roos, pitching 4.1 innings while allowing four earned runs on 10 hits. Cassidy Cantera provided a solid relief outing for Austin College, throwing an inning and two-thirds of scoreless softball. Mia Post paced the Tornados at the plate with a perfect 3-for-3 performance.

Austin College found more offensive rhythm in the second game, tallying seven hits, but the 'Roos were again unable to push a run across. Brinkley led the way at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double, while Ashlynn Brothers was a perfect 2-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base. Jillian Kelly, Tessa Contreras, and Emily Autrey also added singles for the 'Roos.

Concordia jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Kylie Denaro drove in the first run with an RBI single up the middle, and Kamryn Kothman brought home the second on a fielder's choice. The Tornados extended their lead to 4-0 in the third inning when Kothman and Post each recorded RBI singles.

McKinley Hankins threw a complete game for Austin College, taking the loss after giving up three earned runs on eight hits over six innings. Mathis earned the win in the circle for Concordia, scattering seven hits and inducing 11 groundouts over seven scoreless innings to secure the doubleheader sweep for the Tornados. Austin College and Concordia will wrap up their series on Sunday with a single game at noon.