DENTON, Texas (April 15, 2023) – Texas Woman's (22-24, 14-21) softball split thier Lone Star Conference series with Texas A&M – Kingsville (21-19, 18-14) in a double-header showdown at Dianne Baker Field Saturday afternoon.
 
The Pioneers dominated the Javelinas in a walk-off victory, 2-1, in game one. With a chip on their shoulder, the Javelinas returned in game two to defeat the Pioneers 7-1.
 
For three innings in game one, the Pioneers and Javelinas remained scoreless to jump start the three-game series. The Pioneers were trailing by one run in the fourth inning until Ciana Rodriguez took advantage of being walked by the Javelinas and stole second putting her in prime scoring position.
 
Underestimated by the Javelinas, Kate Franz singled to third base for Ciana Rodriguez to advance to third. Kennedy Marlow recorded an RBI off a bunt, pushing Ciana Rodriguez to home to tie the score 1-1.
 
Junior pitcher Alyssa LeBlanc (14-9) held off the Javelinas for seven innings with 124 pitches and 14 strikeouts this afternoon. LeBlanc then entered the bottom seventh eager to swing, but the Javelinas chose to intentionally walk the LSC's No. 2 in home runs with 17.
 
Delaney Boley was up to bat with LeBlanc already on base and reached first on a fielder's choice, getting LeBlanc out at second. The Pioneers were now at two outs, as the Javelinas gave TWU a fighting chance and purposefully walked Cristyna Del Hierro, moving Delaney Boley to second base.
 
Batting next for the Pioneers was Hannah Schnettler as she sent a single in the gap of right center to record the tie breaking RBI and for Delaney Boley to score the game winning run.
 
In game two, the Pioneers welcomed Janyssa Ramos (2-8) to the circle for five innings. The Javelinas began their scoring run in the second inning with a deep hit to center field for the RBI. A single to left center would put the Javelinas ahead of the Pioneers by two before being held scoreless for three innings.
 
With no recorded runs for six straight innings, the Pioneers focused on breaking the cycle. The Javelinas intentionally walked LeBlanc for the third time in game two. A single to right field from Avery Boley would advance LeBlanc to second base, leaving Alexys Ginegaw to pinch run for Avery Boley.
 
Schnettler was up to bat for the Pioneers and drove a single to left field to bring LeBlanc home and add a single run to the board for the Pioneers.
 
The Pioneers brought in relief for Allison Gonzalez after one full inning of work in the top of the sixth. Jules Malis saw five batters in the top of the seventh before Jalee McDonald threw for 12 pitches and closed out the final inning.
 
Defensively, the Pioneers recorded 42 putouts, totaling 21 putouts in each game. Delaney Boley recorded seventeen putouts this afternoon, while Avery Boley added six for the Pioneers. In game two, Marlow registered a season high of six putouts and totaled seven for both games.
 
The Pioneers will be back in action Sunday, April 16 at Dianne Baker Field to close the series. Game three of the series is set to begin at 1 p.m.