The SHSU Bearkat softball team knocked down its first two conference victories this weekend against conference rival Stephen F. Austin. The Kats dropped the first game of the series 4-2 to the Lady Lumberjacks, then rallied back to win the second 2-1 and the third 4-2.
In the first game of the series, the Bearkats just couldn’t seem to get things rolling. In the first inning, they committed two errors that led to two SFA scores. In the second inning, SHSU had the bases loaded, but failed to score any runs.
The second game proved to be the Bearkats’ redemption. After a grueling 10 innings on Saturday, the umpire suspended the game because of darkness, with the score tied at 1-1.
Game two resumed on Sunday at 1 p.m. An April Bardwell hit scored runner Lauren Boone for the winning run. Rachel Atzenhoffer pitched all 12 innings of the game, and did so rather impressively. She posted 10 strikeouts for the game.
In the third game of the series, the Bearkats kept their intensity going, and put down the LadyJacks almost with ease, despite trailing after four innings. April Bardwell hit a grounder through the legs of the shortstop, and Melissa Cosgrove knocked out a home run over the left field fence.
After an Erin Lindse walk, Sara Gatlin hit a home run over the center field fence to bring Lindsey in and give SHSU a two run lead.
The Bearkats were to face Texas Southern University yesterday, but the doubleheader has been postponed until March 5.
On deck for the Bearkats after the TSU makeup games will be a trip to Hammond, La. March 7 and 8 for a three game series against Southeastern Louisiana University, also an Southland Conference competitor.