AUSTIN, Texas - The Howard Payne University softball team jumped out to an early 6-1 lead vs. Concordia University only to have the Tornado's rally for a six-run sixth inning to take the 9-6 victory on Friday afternoon.
Tayler Rushing finished the day 3-4 from behind the plate with a double,
Rachel Hitt was 2-4 with one run scored, and
Sabrina Ochoa scored one run and drove in two RBIs.
Madison Sims had one single, a walk and a RBI in the loss.
The Lady Jackets bats started the game hot, with
Tayler Rushing singling to rightfield to lead off the game.
Rachel Hitt laid down a beautiful bunt and then stole second to put runners in scoring position for Howard Payne. A
Madison Sims single to centerfield would score Hitt and give the Lady Jackets an early 1-0 lead.
Madison Witherwax would retire the side in order during the bottom of the inning, but the Tornado's would get one run back in the bottom of the second inning to tie it back up at 1-1.
Howard Payne answered back in a big way though, going off for five runs on three hits to take a 6-1 lead.
Tayler Rushing led off the inning with a double to left center and
Rachel Hitt brought her in to score for the first run of the inning with a single to thirdbase.
Sabrina Ochoa followed with a single to centerfield to bring around
Haley Slater and
Kodi Glosson. Ochoa would steal second base and help keep the pressure on the Tornado's defense.
Gabrielle Roque would deliver the innings final run with a fielders choice that scored
Madison Sims to make it 6-1 after 3.5 innings.
However, the Concordia pitching staff was able to settle in and hold the Lady Jackets scoreless over the next four innings. A late sixth inning rally from the Tornados led to six runs and the deficit proved too much for the Howard Payne offense to overcome. Concordia would hold on for the 9-6 victory and clinch the series in the third and final game.
The Lady Jackets will next face LeTourneau University at Lady Jacket Park beginning on Friday, April 21st at 1:00 PM. The second game will be part of a doublehead and will follow shortly thereafter. For live stats and more, please visit HPUSports.com and for in-game updates, interactive content and more, follow us on Twitter, @HPUSoftball and also on Instagram, @HPUSports.
