(Story courtesy of University of St. Thomas (Tex.) Athletics Communication Staff)
MARSHALL, TX – The University of St. Thomas softball team made its debut in the 2026 NCAA Division III Softball Championship Regionals, hosted by East Texas Baptist University. Facing Rowan University in the opening round. The Celts battled through a hard-fought extra inning contest before falling 2-1 in eight innings, sending St. Thomas into the elimination bracket.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
Rowan struck first in the bottom of the opening inning, using a two-out RBI single to take an early 1-0 lead.
The Celts continued to battle throughout the game behind strong defensive play and timely pitching, keeping the Profs from extending their advantage through the middle innings. Savana Henken recorded key hits for St. Thomas, while Samantha Crumrin added offensive momentum with multiple singles.
Trailing by one entering the seventh inning, the Celts found their breakthrough. Henken opened the frame with a single to right center before Chloe Bennett moved her into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Crumrin then delivered in the clutch, singling to left field to score Henken and tie the game at 1-1.
St. Thomas threatened again in the top of the eighth after Gigi Rivera singled to right field and Rebecca Archibald worked a walk, placing two runners on base. However, the Celts were unable to capitalize as the game remained tied heading into the bottom half of the inning.
In the final frame, Rowan placed a runner aboard before advancing into scoring position. The Profs secured the walk-off victory after the go-ahead run crossed the plate during a defensive play at home, ending the contest 2-1 in eight innings.
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Samantha Crumrin: 2-for-3, 1 RBI
- Savana Henken: 2-for-4, 1 Run Scored
- Gigi Rivera: 1-for-1
- Rebecca Archibald: 1 Walk
- Chloe Bennett: 1 Sacrifice Bunt
NOTABLES
- The Celts held Rowan scoreless from the second through seventh innings.
- St. Thomas forced extra innings after tying the game in the top of the seventh.
- The contest marked the longest postseason game for the Celts this season.
UP NEXT
St. Thomas moves into the elimination bracket and will look to take on Denison University, sitting at a current record of (20-20-0). The game will take place Friday, May 15th @2:30 PM.
