SAN ANTONIO, Texas (May 8) – The TWU softball team put at least one runner on base in the first six innings but could not capitalize as they fell 3-0 to the host #7 St. Mary's on the opening day at the 2015 NCAA South Central Regional Tournament. 
 
It was a pitchers' duel through the first four innings between TWU's Tori Bice and STMU's Vianna Gutierez.  Bice held the Rattlers to just two hits in the first four innings but allowed three walks in the fifth to load the bases.  A one-out single by Haley Richter gave St. Mary's a 2-0 lead.  The Rattlers made it 3-0 on a sacrifice fly by Alex Rodriguez.
 
The Pioneers threatened in the first six innings with runners on base including the lead-off runner in four of the six innings.  TWU also had a base runner at second base in four innings but could not come up with a big hit.
 
"Not being able to come up with a big hit with runners on base was the downfall," said TWU head coach Genny Stidham.  "We did a good job of getting on base and moving runners.  We need to be consistent and get more than four hits."  
 
Freshman Tylia Sylestine reached base in all three at bats for the Pioneers.  Senior Kendra Sancet, junior Tealey Farquhar, sophomore Nicole Nordie and Bice all recorded hits for TWU.  Bice started in the circle and tossed five innings.  She allowed just three hits and struck out four batters.  Junior Bailee Wortham pitched the final inning and allowed two hits while striking out a batter.
 
The Pioneers will drop to the losers' bracket in the regional and will face Regis in an elimination game on Saturday, May 9, at 2:30 p.m.  St. Mary's faces Metro State at noon in the winners' bracket.