Softball Wins Longhorn Invitational Opener, Splits Games

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Southern softball team split its first two games at the Longhorn Invitational on Friday. TSU defeated New Mexico 3-0 before falling to Liberty in game two.

TSU 3, NEW MEXICO 0

Naomi Reyes struck out 10 batters and only allowed four hits as TSU opened the day with a 3-0 win over New Mexico.

The Tigers struck quickly in the first as leadoff batter Zariah Robins reached on a throwing error and eventually scored for a 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly. In the bottom of the second, New Mexico made it interesting with the bases loaded but Reyes forced a popout to end the inning.

A throwing error allowed TSU’s Ashling Shahan to reach base to open the fourth and the Tigers played small ball by laying down three straight bunts to load the bases. With the bases loaded, TSU’s Ashlin Moreno drew a bases loaded walk followed by Daryn Haslam, a former player at New Mexico, for a 3-0 lead.

From there, it was all Reyes as she only allowed one hit with seven strikeouts the remainder of the way as TSU closed out the win.

A’Leecia Bell finished 2-for-4 with a run scored while Haslam walked four times as TSU finished with six hits.

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LIBERTY 13, TSU 0

A seven-run third inning put the game out of reach as Liberty won game two 13-0.

A fielding error paved the way for Liberty’s first run in the top of the first followed by an RBI for an early 2-0 deficit. The Flames added two more runs in the second before breaking the game open in the third behind the strength of seven hits in the inning. Liberty closed the game out with a pair of runs in the fourth for the final margin.

TSU is back action Saturday for a 10 a.m. contest versus Texas and a 12:30 p.m. contest against New Mexico. All games will be televised on the Longhorn Network and WatchESPN.