STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Tarleton State Softball closed out its final home conference series in decisive fashion Saturday, run-ruling Utah Tech 11-0 in five innings at the Tarleton State Softball Complex to complete the three-game sweep. The Texans improved to 34-18 overall and 12-3 in conference play.
The Texans are now just a game back of first place in the WAC, California Baptist at 13-2, who they face next weekend.
On a day honoring nine graduating seniors, Tarleton State delivered a complete performance in front of the home crowd. The celebration continued after the game as senior Riley McDaniel got engaged in a memorable Senior Day moment.
The Texans scored in three of the first four innings, including a six-run third inning, to secure the run-rule victory.
Tarleton State jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first. After Mariah Debose and Mikayla Wilson each drew walks and Macie Vickers reached on a bunt single to load the bases, Jaelynn Duke lifted a sacrifice fly to bring in the first run. Hayden Fox followed with another sacrifice fly to score Wilson, and Braylin Pannill and Addison Wittram each drew RBI walks to extend the lead to 4-0.
The Texans added to their advantage in the second. Wilson singled and later came around to score on a double to left center by Casey Schultz, pushing the lead to 5-0.
The Purple and White broke the game open with a six-run third inning. Madison Runyan reached on a walk before Pannill singled and later stole second. Wittram then brought in a run with a sacrifice fly to make it 6-0. After Debose reached on a walk, Wilson put the ball in play and reached on an error that allowed another run to score. Vickers followed with a single to keep the rally going, and Duke delivered a two-RBI double down the left field line. Casey Schultz added a two-RBI single, and Fox capped the inning with an RBI single to give Tarleton State an 11-0 lead.
The Texans closed out the game in the fifth, holding Utah Tech scoreless to secure the run-rule victory.
Shelby Schultz earned the win, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out four. Alex Aguilar entered in relief and recorded the final outs to complete the shutout.
Shelby Schultz improved to 16-4 on the year, and the Texans are 17-5 in games she starts this season.
The Texans totaled eight hits and were productive throughout the lineup, driving in 11 runs. Casey Schultz and Duke each had three RBI, while Fox added two. Tarleton State also showed strong plate discipline, drawing eight walks and using situational hitting to build an early lead.
Tarleton State completed the series sweep over Utah Tech (2-1, 8-3, 11-0) and will carry momentum into the final stretch of the regular season following a successful Senior Day at home. The Texans will travel to Lubbock on Tuesday to take on No. 3 Texas Tech with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.
