ODESSA, Texas (Feb. 16, 2025) – The Texas Woman's University softball team concluded their conference opening weekend on Sunday in Odessa, Texas, with a dominant performance against the University of Texas at Permian Basin. TWU (7-1, 3-1) came out strong with two impressive wins after splitting results with Sul Ross State on Friday.
In game one, the Pioneers encountered some early offensive struggles but held strong defensively, limiting the Falcons. Senior pitcher Allison Gonzalez (4-0) led the charge with a stellar performance, earning the win. Vivica Hernandez's RBI sac fly in the third inning put TWU ahead 1-0. The Pioneers extended their lead in the sixth with another run, as Ashley Allinger scored off a UTPB error, making it 2-0. Davies secured another RBI sac fly to seal the win, 3-0.
The Falcons came out fighting in game two, quickly jumping to a 4-0 lead. However, TWU answered with three straight scores in the top of the third. The back and forth slugfest continued until extra innings, where the Pioneers' bats exploded for an 8-0 run in the eighth to finish with a season high 14 runs to six victory.
IMPACT PLAYERS (2 Games)
PIONEER POWER MOMENTS
Game 1 (TWU won 3-0):
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Hernandez's RBI sac fly in the third gave the Pioneers a 1-0 lead, scoring Lauryn Davies.
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Allinger extended the lead to 2-0, capitalizing on a UTPB error in the sixth.
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Davies added an insurance run with another RBI sac fly, and the Pioneers held the Falcons scoreless in the final two innings for the 3-0 shutout victory.
Game 2 (TWU won 14-6):
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After trailing 4-0 through two innings, Hawwa Townsend's solo home run in the third sparked the Pioneers' offense.
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Hernandez and Lizzie Smith scored on UTPB errors in the third, pulling TWU within one run.
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Despite UTPB pushing ahead to a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the third, a two-RBI double by Townsend and a two-RBI single by Malarie Medina in the fourth gave TWU a 6-5 advantage.
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Extra innings saw Townsend deliver a two-RBI home run, her second of the game, as part of a dramatic 8-run inning that lifted the Pioneers to a 14-6 victory.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH GAY MCNUTT
"I am very pleased with the two wins and especially the fight we showed in game two," said McNutt. "We struggled early offensively but had some breakout moments. Great pitching performances from all our pitchers today."
Next Up
The Pioneers will have their home opener next week, taking on Angelo State on Friday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Dianne Baker Field in Denton, Texas.
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