MARSHALL, Texas – Simmons softball (18-24) stumbled against No. 2 East Texas Baptist University in their first game of the 2024 NCAA Regional on Thursday afternoon.
Junior centerfielder Raya Anderson did what she does best, opening the Marshall Regional beating out an infield chopper back to the circle. After a watchful eye on Tigers' starter Hannah Benavides, Anderson moved into scoring position with her 27th stolen base of the season, but was unable to come around to score.
The Tigers jumped on the board in the home half of frame, putting up a crooked number four thanks to a two-run homerun to cap off the inning. East Texas Baptist continued to extend their lead scoring once in the second inning to push the lead to five runs.
However, the Sharks were not going to be denied and continued to show their resolve. Sophomore Trinity Payne began the top of the fourth shooting a single back up the middle then advanced 60 feet on a sacrifice bunt by junior April Beatty. But the Sharks bats couldn't bring her around after a pair of two flyouts ended the threat.
In the home half of the third, East Texas Baptist was able to take advantage of defensive miscues and add three more runs to their lead. The Sharks were able to let that slide and move forward. A heads up play by junior catcher Leah Berdeen forced Tigers shortstop Tristen Maddox into a run down before sophomore right-hander Piper Kinney slapped the tag on her for final out of the inning. But it was more than enough as the Tigers were able to hold on for victory and proceed into the winner's bracket.
SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS
- Junior centerfielder Raya Anderson went one-for-two with a stolen base from the top of the Sharks lineup.
- Sophomore Trinity Payne also collected a base-hit to lead off the top of the third as she went 1-for-2 on the day.
UP NEXT
Simmons will face the loser of the Chapman and No. 9 Texas Lutheran game tomorrow, Friday May 17 at 1:30 p.m. Central Time / 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
