(Story courtesy of University of St. Thomas (Tex.) Athletics Communication Staff)
MARSHALL, TX– The University of St. Thomas softball team continued its run through the elimination bracket of the NCAA Division III Regionals. Facing Denison University in an elimination matchup, the Celts delivered a dominant offensive performance to defeat the Big Red 13-6 in order to keep their postseason journey alive. The Celts then dropped a 5-1 decision in an elimination contest against Rowan to conclude their season.
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HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless opening inning, the Celts broke through in the bottom of the second with a five-run frame. Viviana Vargas and Ciaira Gonzalez opened the inning with back-to-back singles before Gigi Rivera drove in the game's first run with an RBI single to center field. Savana Henken followed with a two-run play to extend the lead, while Chloe Bennett added an RBI single. Samantha Crumrin capped the inning with a sacrifice fly, giving St. Thomas a commanding 5-0 advantage.
The Celts continued their offensive surge in the third inning. Vargas sparked the rally with another hit before Rebecca Archibald drove in two runs on a fielder's choice. Henken added an RBI groundout, and Bennett delivered an RBI double to left field as St. Thomas extended the lead to 9-0.
Denison answered with five runs in the fifth inning to cut into the deficit, but the Celts responded once again in the sixth. Gonzalez singled and later scored to begin the rally before Henken brought in another run on a fielder's choice. Bennett delivered her second RBI double of the afternoon, and Crumrin followed with an RBI double to center field, pushing the lead to 13-6.
St. Thomas closed out the victory in the seventh inning as the defense recorded the final outs to eliminate Denison from the tournament and secure another game for the Celts in regional play.
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Chloe Bennett: 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 Doubles
- Savana Henken: 1 RBI, 2 Runs Scored
- Samantha Crumrin: 2 RBI, 1 Double
- Rebecca Archibald: 2 RBI, 3 Walks
- Viviana Vargas: 2-for-4, 2 Runs Scored
- Gigi Rivera: 1 RBI
- Ciaira Gonzalez: 2-for-3, 2 Runs Scored
NOTABLES
- St. Thomas recorded 13 runs, marking its highest scoring output of the NCAA Regional tournament.
- Chloe Bennett recorded multiple extra-base hits in the win.
