TYLER, TEXAS (Feb. 27, 2021) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) softball team competed in the University of Texas-Tyler (UT-Tyler) Irwin Classic on Friday and Saturday in Tyler, Texas. The Saints won the first game against Texas Woman's University (TWU) 5-2 and lost two games against UT-Tyler 7-0 and 3-0. Both teams are in the NCAA D2 Lone Star Conference. The Saints are now 4-6 this season.

Head Coach Bruce Lenington commented, "I'm proud of the way our players battled here in Tyler. Our tournament record was 1-2 but our level of play really elevated to face these NCAA D2 teams. Experience like this can only make us better."

Game one vs. Texas Woman's University

The Pioneers struck first in the bottom of the second inning with a single from Alexys Ginegaw that scored Taylor Goulet. The Saints responded with three runs in the top of the third inning. Joanna Gonzalez (JR/San Benito, Texas) doubled to score Madison Nunn (JR/Cibolo, Texas) and later scored on a single by Julissa Moreno (SO/Austin, Texas). Ariel Montgomery (JR/Castroville, Texas) scored the third run of the inning on a wild pitch.

TWU cut the deficit to one run when Tara Solomon hit a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning. OLLU struck back with two runs in the next inning with runs from Jennifer Estrada (JR/El Paso, Texas) and Nunn. The Saints held the Pioneers scoreless in the final three innings to win 5-2. Angela Ramirez (JR/Converse, Texas) pitched a complete game for the Saints and allowed only four hits.

Game two vs. UT-Tyler

The Saints struggled in their first game against the Patriots. UT-Tyler scored one run in the second inning, four runs in the third inning and two runs in the fifth inning. The Saints tallied six hits despite losing 7-0. Starting pitcher Montgomery allowed four runs, Felicity Villanueva (SO/El Paso, Texas) allowed two runs and Kelly Anne Salinas (SO/Laredo, Texas) pitched one inning and didn't allow a run. Jalin Oliva-St. Romain (SR/Highlands, Texas) went 2-for-2 at the plate and freshman Kaili Luna (FR/Converse, Texas) batted 2-for-3.

Game three vs. UT-Tyler

The Saints finished the Irwin Classic with a 3-0 loss to UT-Tyler. The Saints showed improvements from the previous matchup by allowing only five hits. Abigail Elizondo (FR/San Antonio, Texas) batted 2-for-3 and starting pitcher Ciera Martinez (SR/San Antonio, Texas) struck out three batters in six innings of work. Patriots starting pitcher Erin Hill improved to 5-0 on the season.

Up next

The Saints host Trinity University tomorrow for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. No spectators are allowed at this time.