MARSHALL, Texas – In the series finale against the #1 University of Texas at Tyler, the East Texas Baptist University softball could not capitalize with runners in scoring position, falling 7-4. ETBU and UTT are now tied in third place in the American Southwest Conference standings with a 10-2 record in conference play.

UTT got on the board in the first inning on a KK Stevens single to right field, giving UTT a 1-0 lead. ETBU answered in the bottom of the second and bottom of third to take the lead. Lindsey Vasquez singled home two runs in the second, and Katy Hill brought home a run on a walk, giving ETBU a 3-1 lead. UTT would score the next six runs of the game, giving the Patriots a 7-3 going into the bottom of the seventh inning. Shelby Irlbeck brought home a run on an RBI groundout, but the comeback would fall short as ETBU grounded out with two runners in scoring position.

ETBU was led by Vasquez who had three hits in the contest. Gabby Gonzales had two hits and one double behind the plate tonight. Linzie Lewis, Jayme Perez, Hill, and Sabrina Salts each added on hit. Vasquez led ETBU with two runs batted in. McKayla Hendrix was given the loss in her first start of the season, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing four runs on seven hits. Katelyn Cooper pitched 2.1 innings in relief, and allowed three runs on five hits. ETBU had nine hits and left 11 runners on base in the game.

Stevens had three hits and two runs batted in to pace the Patriot offense. Kaylee Prather and Courtney Fisher each had two hits. Cheyenne Thompson hit the go-ahead two-run homerun in the fifth inning. Miranda Leal got the win in relief, pitching five innings and allowing one unearned run on four hits.

ETBU will return to action this Saturday against Depauw University for a 1:00 p.m. double header at Taylor Field. ETBU will return to ASC conference play the following weekend when they travel to take on the University of Texas at Dallas.