DENTON, Texas (March 9, 2018) - A two-run blast by Tylia Sylestine in the fifth inning powered Texas Woman's University past Texas A&M-Kingsville in a Lone Star Conference contest Friday evening at Pioneer Field.
 
Cheyenne Mahy (6-1) provided strong pitching for the Pioneers (12-7, 4-3 LSC) with six strikeouts, while Abby Walker collected her third save on the season while facing four batters to clinch the TWU win.
 
The Javelinas (13-8, 6-4 LSC) were the first to score with a solo home run to left field in the top of the third. The Pioneers placed a runner in scoring positions in the third and fourth inning but were unable to take advantage.
 
In the bottom of the fifth, Lindy Kennedy singled through the left side before Sylestine narrowly cleared the fence in right center field to put the Pioneers up 2-1. Jordan Kisselburg reached first and advanced to second on a wild pitch. A single up the middle by Walker scored Kisselburg to boost the lead to 3-1.
 
TAMUK began the top of the seventh with a double to left center before the runner made it to third on a wild pitch. A single to the shortstop scored one for the Javelinas, but Walker ended the game on a strikeout.
 
Head Coach Genny Stidham said, "Mahy was outstanding tonight. It was definitely a pitching duel. I'm thankful for some back-to-back timely hits and a big one from Sylestine."
 
The Pioneers and Javelinas continue the series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.