MANSFIELD, Texas (Jan. 30, 2026) - The Texas Woman's softball team opened play at the DII Lone Star Classic with losses to No. 24 Missouri Southern State and Washburn University on Friday at the Fields of Station 63 in Mansfield, Texas.
Despite three home runs on the day, defensive miscues and big innings by both opponents proved costly as the Pioneers fell to 0-2 to start the tournament.
Game 1: Missouri Southern State 5, TWU 3
TWU responded quickly after Missouri Southern State scored two runs in the top of the first inning, as Ashley Allinger delivered a two run home run to left center field in the second to tie the game at 2-2. The No. 24-ranked Lions regained control in the third and fourth innings, plating three runs to take a 5-2 lead through four innings. TWU attempted to mount a late comeback when Trinity Perry drove in Madison Altman with an RBI single in the sixth, cutting the deficit to two.
The Pioneers held MSSU scoreless in the seventh inning but were unable to generate additional offense, as Missouri Southern closed out the 5-3 victory.
Game 2: Washburn 8, TWU 2
TWU struck first in the second game, as Malarie Medina launched a solo home run in the second inning to give the Pioneers an early 1-0 advantage. Washburn answered immediately with a five run bottom of the second inning and never relinquished the lead. The Ichabods added another run in the fourth on an RBI single to extend their advantage.
Riley Todd provided a spark for TWU with a solo home run to right field to halt Washburn's scoring, but the Ichabods added insurance runs and secured the 8-2 win.
IMPACT PLAYERS
PIONEER POWER MOMENTS
Game 1 vs. Missouri Southern State:Â
-
After Missouri Southern State built an early advantage, Allinger evened the contest in the second inning with a two run home run that cleared the left center field fence.
-
TWU stayed within reach late when Perry knocked an RBI single in the sixth inning, allowing Altman to score and pulling the Pioneers within two runs.
Game 2 vs. Washburn:Â
-
Medina jump started the Pioneer offense in the second inning, sending a solo home run over the fence to briefly put TWU in front.
-
Todd stopped Washburn's momentum in the fifth inning with a solo shot to right field, accounting for one of TWU's three home runs on the day.
Next Up
The Pioneers will look to bounce back with two more days of action at the DII Lone Star Classic. TWU faces Missouri Western State on Saturday at 2 p.m., before taking on Missouri-St. Louis and Harding on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
-PIONEERS-
