DENTON, Texas (April 13, 2025) – In an epic clash, the Texas Woman's softball team battled it out at Dianne Baker Field on Sunday, engaging in a hard-fought doubleheader against St. Edward's University. The Pioneers (19-21, 15-19) came away with a 3-0 shutout win in game one but narrowly fell in game two, 3-2, to the Hilltoppers (25-21, 19-17).
The opening battle saw TWU strike with bold precision. In the fourth inning, Riley Todd led the charge with a bunt single that brought home Ashley Allinger, securing the first run of the game and igniting the Pioneers' offensive momentum. In the sixth, Malarie Medina delivered the decisive blow — a two-run home run to left center that extended TWU's lead to 3-0. Medina's swing echoed across the field as the Pioneers celebrated a commanding victory.
Game two proved to be a tougher test. St. Edward's took the lead in the third inning on a single to left field by Lauren Hoyt, scoring Arianna Vidales. TWU responded in the bottom half, as Marissa Espinoza ripped a double down the left field line to score Todd and tie the game at 1-1.
SEU added runs in the fifth and seventh innings, both driven in by Hoyt, to take a 3-1 lead. But the Pioneers weren't done yet. In the bottom of the seventh, Lauryn Davies dropped a bunt single to first base, allowing Todd to score and cutting the deficit to one. Despite the late push, TWU's rally fell just short.
IMPACT PLAYERS (2 Games)
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Randi Crawford: 9.2 innings pitched, 12 strikeouts on 171 total pitches, and one hit away from a no-hitter in game one.
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Malarie Medina: 1 home run, 2 hits, 2 RBIs
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Riley Todd: 3 hits, 1 RBI, 2 runs
PIONEER POWER MOMENTS
Game One: (TWU won 3-0)
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Todd delivered a bunt single that opened the scoring gates for the Pioneers in the fourth inning as Allinger crossed home plate.
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Medina's two run homer to secure the triumph in the sixth for TWU as Allinger scored her second run of the game.
Game Two: (TWU lost 3-2)
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After giving up a run in the top of the third, Espinoza responded with a double to level the score at 1-1.
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Davies kept the rally alive in the seventh with a bunt single to bring in Todd, but the Hilltoppers held on for the win.
Next Up
The Pioneers will travel to Laredo, Texas, on April 16 to face Texas A&M International in a doubleheader at Dustdevil Softball Field. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m., with game two to follow at 2 p.m.
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