It was a difficult month for the SAU Tech Lady Rockets softball team as they had battled weather delays, rescheduling, and facing the #6 team in the nation for four games. The Lady Rockets had lost six consecutive games, which can be a mental killer for the team. On Thursday, the Lady Rockets were back home as they hosted the Southern Arkansas Community College Stars in a rival conference matchup. SAU Tech proved they could regain their momentum as they defeated South Ark in the double-header matchup 11-3 and 10-2.
In the afternoon's first game, freshman Jordyn Standley was the leading pitcher for the Lady Rockets as she allowed the first two batters to gain on base through walks. The Stars were able to get on the board first through a single base hit that got one of the first base runners home. At the bottom of the first inning, the Lady Rockets struggled through their first three batters as they were out quickly.
At the top of the second inning, South Ark's Kallie Minter hit the game's first home run off a pitch from Standley. The Lady Rockets were able to respond significantly at the bottom of the second inning. Freshman designated hitter Marisella Mendoza, freshman Megan McCartney, and sophomore left fielder Tatyana Tramble were all able to get on base for the Lady Rockets. Freshman catcher Kyann Hays started the scoring run for SAU Tech as she accounted for an RBI that got Mendoza home. Standley then delivered a hit that got McCartney home. Freshman shortstop Morgan Cruse's walk gave the Lady Rockets their first lead of the game as Tramble walked home. Finally, freshman right fielder Avery Parrott's hit got Cruse home as the Lady Rockets ended their run with a 4-2 lead going into the third inning.
The Stars started the third inning with a big home run from MaKenna Denofrio. After the second home run of the game, the Lady Rockets switched pitchers from Standley to Raley Sullivans, who ended any more comebacks from South Ark. After a walk from McCartney, Tayana Tramble was about to account for a big double-base hit that got her teammate to score. Tramble was able to score off a similar double-base hit from Raley Sullivan. The Lady Rockets extended their lead 6-3 going into the fourth inning.
After a quick three-out situation against the batters of South Ark, it was SAU Tech's turn as they continued to have a huge batting performance. Sophomore center fielder Anna Cox and Avery Parrot got on base through walks as SAU Tech's power hitting sophomore second baseman Ciara Victor was up to the plate. Victor delivered a huge hit for a deep three-run home run score, the Rockets' first home run of the day.
A couple of batters later, Raley Sullivan delivered a double-base hit that Mendoza and Tramble home for the score. Sullivan, then, helped get three of the first four batters for the Stars out, thus sealing the 11-3 through five innings.
In the second game of the double-header, the Stars started the game, once again, with a one-run score to finish at the top of the first inning. It didn't take long for SAU Tech to respond in this game as Anna Cox hit a big double-base hit and scored thanks to a single-base hit from Ciara Victor. She scored two batters later off a hit from Megan McCartney. The Lady Rockets took the 2-1 lead going into the second inning.
After three quicks from the defense of the Lady Rockets, they were able to extend their lead by one run, with freshman center fielder Chloe Hanes coming home off an RBI hit. The Stars reduced their deficit 3-2 thanks to a combination of fielding errors from SAU Tech and an RBI hit as SAU Tech was only up 3-2 going into the bottom of the third inning.
When it was SAU Tech's turn to bat in the third inning, they had one of their best batting performances in the month of April. Megan McCartney, Tatyana Tramble, Raley Sullivan, freshman Karis Robinson, and Morgan Cruse all got to base as the first five batters for the Lady Rockets. Each of them scored as they took advantage of the poor pitching and fielding from the Stars occurred. Two batters, the Lady Rockets had four more batters get on base as Tatyana Tramble accounted for two RBIs, getting Ciara Victor and Marisella Mendoza home. SAU Tech went into the fourth inning with a huge 10-2 lead.
The Stars tried to establish one more significant run, especially at the top of the fifth inning, but the defense of SAU Tech remained stout and efficient to secure the 10-2 win through five innings.
Karis Robinson was highly efficient as the starting pitcher for the Lady Rockets in game two as she allowed only four hits, one walks, and two runs. The Lady Rockets had a highly efficient batting performance from all of their starters through both games.
In the first game, Ciara Victor accounted for the one home run for SAU Tech in the game and three RBIs. She also accounted for three hits and two runs in the second game. In the first game, Tatyana Tramble accounted for three runs, two hits, and a walk. In the second game, Tramble accounted for one run, two RBIs, two hits, and one walk.
After the game, co-head coach Phillip Diehl was asked about his team's ability to overcome tough obstacles beyond their control and two great games. Coach Diehl responded, "our focus was much better today and that's what we've been working on all week was focus and not getting rattled and keeping it even. They did that. We had no errors in the first game second game, We overcame a couple of errors, and they didn't cost us. We don't expect perfection, but we're looking for excellence."
The SAU Tech Lady Rockets (16-12; 7-5 in conference play) will be back at home for sophomore night this Sunday as they host the North Arkansas Lady Pioneers (9-34; 1-7 in conference play).
Photo By: Michael Hanich SAU Tech third baseman Shamiya Moye catches an out in the game against South Ark.
Photo By: Michael Hanich SAU Tech pitcher Karis Robinson gets set to throw a pitch in the game against South Ark.
Photo By: Michael Hanich SAU Tech second baseman Ciara Victor throws the ball to first base for an out in the game against South Ark.