TXST SOFTBALL
The Bobcats came back from a 3-0 deficit to win a critical conference game, scoring five runs in the top of the seventh and beating the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks 5-3.
With the victory, Texas State is tied with Louisiana Monroe for first place in the conference standings and improves their overall record to 32-18.
The Warhawks struck first in the bottom of the first inning.
After an RBI single, ULM extended their lead to 2-0 following a sacrifice fly in right field.
The Warhawks later pushed their lead to 3-0 following a groundout, and the Bobcats were called for runner’s interference to allow a ULM run to come across.
Going into the top of the seventh, the outlook for the Bobcats was bleak as Texas State entered the inning without a hit.
However, the Bobcats refused to lay down.
Junior catcher Megan Kelnar started the at-bat with a leadoff single for the Bobcats first hit of the game.
Freshman pinch hitter Emily Fish then forced a walk before sophomore third baseman loaded up the bases with a single.
Junior second baseman Sidney Harvey then forced a bases loaded walk, giving the Bobcats their run of the game and cutting the deficit down to 3-1.
A fielder’s choice gave the Bobcats their first out of the at-bat before Texas State answered again.
Junior right fielder Keely Williams connected with an RBI single, making it a one-run game at 3-2 and bringing up junior first baseman Aiyana Coleman.
Coleman made the Warhawks pay for leaving the bases loaded, clearing the bases with a three-run double and giving the Bobcats a 5-3 lead. Coleman also became the third player in Bobcat history to have 50 or more RBIs in a season behind Sara Vanderford in 2024 and Elizabeth Wissel in 2001.
With the Bobcats up 5-3, Texas State looked to used their defense to seal the crucial win.
Starting pitch Emma Strood responded by striking out the next three batters to seal the win.
Texas State needs one more win against the Warhawks to earn a share of the conference title.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
