Box Score CANYON – In addition to playing the No. 3 team in the nation, Tarleton also found itself battling the elements Friday night as a long rain delay put a damper on a hard fought battle between the TexAnns and Lady Buffs in the LSC opener.
 
Tarleton dropped its single game 5-4 to West Texas A&M Friday night.
 
The Lady Buffs struck first for two quick runs in the bottom of the first on a two-run homer to straight away centerfield.
 
After that, Tarleton's Randi Fentress battled in a pitcher's duel over the next three innings. The junior hurler matched the Lady Buff thrower goose egg for goose egg over the second, third and fourth innings.
 
Tarleton's offense came alive in the top of the fifth when Arianna Rodriguez laced a 2-RBI triple to right center, bringing home Tanner Pipkin – who pinch ran for Kelsey Latta who led off the inning with a double – and Randi Fentress.
 
They took the lead in the fifth when Rodriguez came in to score on a wild pitch during the next at bat.
 
The lead wouldn't hold up, however, as West Texas A&M answered with two in the bottom of the fifth on a pair of RBI doubles and added their final run in the sixth on a Tarleton throwing error.
 
The TexAnns fought to end, though, when Courtney Vroman ripped a two-out single up the middle to give Tarleton hope in the seventh. After a hit batter loaded the bases, the TexAnns couldn't bring the tying run across.
 
Fentress took the loss, allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks with seven strikeouts.
 
Tarleton scored four runs on five hits by five different TexAnns. Rachel Brownlow, Rodriguez, Vroman, Latta and Fentress all had hits for Tarleton. Latta, Fentress and Rodriguez's hits all went for extra bases.
 
The TexAnns and Lady Buffs will meet again Saturday afternoon at Schaeffer Park in Canyon with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.