'Roos Fall to Tornados in Series Finale

AUSTIN, Texas - Tessa Contreras drove in all three runs for Austin College, but the 'Roos were unable to slow down the high-powered offense of Concordia University-Texas, falling 11-3 in five innings on Sunday afternoon at Gardner-Boggs Field.

The Tornados took control of the game early, erupting for six runs in the bottom of the second inning. Christian Everett ignited the rally with an RBI single, and Concordia capitalized on aggressive baserunning, highlighted by Malarie Mican stealing home, to build a 6-0 advantage.

Austin College broke through in the top of the third inning to cut into the deficit. Tori Fowler reached first on a fielding error, quickly stole second, and advanced to third on a catching error. Contreras then lined a single through the left side, bringing Fowler home and putting the 'Roos on the board.

The 'Roos continued to chip away at the lead in the fourth. Emily Autrey singled and Ashlynn Brothers reached safely on a bunt fielder's choice. After Fowler was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Contreras delivered once again, lacing a two-run single up the middle to score both Autrey and Brothers, narrowing the Concordia lead to 6-3.

However, the Tornados responded with two runs in the bottom half of the fourth inning, aided by a fielder's choice from Mallory Mata and a steal of home by Morgan Holdren. Concordia then sealed the run-rule victory in the fifth when Mican drove an RBI single into left field, followed by back-to-back sacrifice flies from Kylie Kirk and Molly Olivarez to end the game.

Contreras anchored the Austin College lineup, finishing a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with three RBI. Autrey recorded the only other hit for the 'Roos, while Fowler added a stolen base and a run scored.

Lauren Trott took the loss in the circle for Austin College, allowing six earned runs on seven hits over 2.0 innings of work. Cassidy Cantera provided 2.2 innings of relief, surrendering five runs on seven hits.

Concordia was paced by Mican, who went 4-for-4 with two runs scored, an RBI, and three stolen bases. Everett also had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored. Mia Post earned the pitching victory for the Tornados, allowing three runs on three hits while striking out one in 3.1 innings.

With the loss, Austin College falls to 4-15 overall and 4-13 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference action. Concordia improves its record to 19-4 overall and 14-3 in SCAC play.