Strong Pitching Helps Softball Split Final Day Of Cowgirl Classic

Texas Southern split its final two games of the Cowgirl Classic Lake Charles on Saturday as they defeated UTSA and fell to McNeese State.

TSU 1, UTSA 0

In game one, Jazmine Gendorf pitched a gem of a game as TSU claimed a 1-0 decision over UTSA.

Gendorf and the TSU defense set the tone early as UTSA tripled in the third with one out but rebounded with a big out followed by a flyout to end the inning. UTSA had two runners on with two outs in the fourth but Gendorf forced an inning-ending popout.

In the bottom of the fourth, Daryn Haslam drew a one out walk and was pinch ran by Nya Leday-Johnson. Leday-Johnson moved to second on a wild pitch as Gabrielle Loui walked. Mila Rodriguez hit into a fielder’s choice and Leday-Johnson would score on the play for the 1-0 lead.

From there it was all Gendorf and the TSU defense as UTSA had only one runner reach second over the final three innings.

Gendorf struck out four and only allowed four hits for her first win of 2021. Ashling Shahan and Mila Rodriguez both had hits.

McNeese State 3, TSU 1

A two-run third was the difference as McNeese State closed out the tourney with a 3-1 decision.

TSU had a chance to score in the second as pinch runner Deja Cain reached third with one out but TSU couldn’t drive her in. McNeese State loaded the bases in the third and scored the first run on an RBI groundout. TSU threw out the second run attempt at home on a steal attempt but walked the next batter. McNeese State would steal home again and was successful for a 2-0 lead.

Gabrielle Loui singled with two outs in the fourth and Mila Rodriguez walked. Ja’Lynn Swiney hit an RBI double to score Loui and Haley Castro walked in what wouldn’t loaded the bases. However, Rodriguez was thrown out caught stealing.

McNeese scored another run in the sixth via steal while TSU had the tying run at the plate after Pamela Richardson reached on an error. However, the game ended as Richardson was caught stealing.

Naomi Reyes dropped the contest on the mound while Loui, Swiney and Haslam all had hits.

TSU heads to Texas A&M on Tuesday for a 3 p.m. doubleheader.