The Thomas More University softball team faced off against the University of Northwestern Ohio Racers in a thrilling doubleheader, winning the first game 4-3 before narrowly losing the second game 9-8. The Saints now hold an overall season record of 18-13.
Game One Recap: Thomas More Triumphs 4-3
In the first game, Thomas More started strong, with Hailey McAdoo singling in the first inning. Maclai Branson then hit her seventh home run of the season, taking the Saints to a 2-0 lead. The Saints continued their momentum, leading to a 3-0 advantage after Karys Black hit an RBI single. In the second inning, Branson picked up her third RBI of the game on a one-out double to left center field, extending the Saints’ lead to 4-1.
The Racers attempted a comeback, scoring two more runs throughout the game, but Thomas More held on for a 4-3 victory. Annika Gels threw a complete game, striking out seven and giving up three runs, earning her fifth win of the season.
Game Two Recap: Northwestern Ohio Edges Out Thomas More 9-8
The second game began with Branson hitting an RBI double, putting the Saints up 1-0 in the first inning. Delaney Kemper scored another RBI for the Saints in the third inning, but the Racers held a 4-2 lead at this point. The Saints managed to tie the game in the fourth inning, with runs from Kai Dickerson and Sydney Bledsoe.
The Racers scored four more runs in the next two innings, leading 8-4. In the sixth inning, the Saints scored three runs on four hits, cutting the Racers’ lead to 8-7. Despite a valiant effort in the final frame, the Saints ultimately fell short, losing the game 9-8.
Game One saw Branson with a game-high three hits and three RBI, while Wefer and McAdoo each had two hits. In Game Two, Branson led the team with three hits, followed by McAdoo, Kemper, and Sophia Thoma with two each. Branson, Kemper, and Wefer all contributed two RBI in the second game.
Cassidy King, Emily Wisman, and Karys Black took the mound for the Saints in Game Two. King pitched 1.2 innings, Wisman threw 1.2 innings, and Black allowed two runs over 2.2 innings.
Up Next: Mid-South Conference Play
The Saints will return to Mid-South Conference play on Friday afternoon, facing the University of Pikeville. The first game is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. against the Bears, promising an exciting continuation of the season for the Thomas More University softball team.