| Pinch hitter Jackie Mendez
impressed her coach in their pre-game batting practice to get a
chance and delivered. Texas-Tyler photo by Ryan Coleman |
Texas-Tyler used another RBI from a pinch hitter in the nine spot to break a 1-1 tie to grab a 4-1 win over Luther in the NCAA D-III Softball Championshipat Eau Claire.
"This was another hard fought game," said Texas-Tyler head Coach Mike Reed. "Today was the best our defense had played since we've been here. We settled down and made some plays today."
Jackie Mendez, batting for Carli Wheeler, lined a double down the right field line to drive in Rachel Howell and Lauren Robenalt with the go-ahead runs.
"We have been fighting in the box all day," said Mendez. "It was nice to pull through for the team."
Texas Tyler grabbed the early momentum but Luther was the first team to score. With two outs, Kayla Hatting's infield popup fell just out of range of a diving Howell. Singles by seniors Shari Huber and Elisa Smith brought Hatting around to score.
Both teams had chances in the middle inings but Luther's Becca Girvan and Texas-Tyler's Kelsie Batten worked out of two-on jams.
Momentum moved to Texas-Tyler after the hits started falling for the Patriots in the sixth inning. Howell walked then Robenalt and pinch hitter Whitney Burt singled, setting the plate for Mendez's double. Joey Cronin added a run scoring single to bring the score to the final total.
"At this level you got to have everything go your way," said Luther head coach Renae Hartl. "I am proud of what we accomplished this year and to end out season in Eau Claire."
Texas-Tyler (47-5) will play the winner of Montclair State and Salisbury later today. Luther is eliminated from the double elimination tournament, ending their season 33-11.