AUSTIN, Texas – The Concordia Texas softball team ended the weekend with an exclamation point, completing the series sweep with a 12-1 run-rule victory over Howard Payne on Saturday.
The Tornados ended the day early, employing the run rule and closing the book in the fifth inning thanks to an offensive barrage that included 12 runs on 13 hits.
Ellie Congalton picked up two hits, including a three-run blast over the centerfield wall, and
Ashley Hallmark recorded three hits and a pair of RBIs, highlighting an impressive day at the plate from the Tornados.
Tisdale turned in another gem in the circle, striking out four in five innings of one-run work.
The Tornados came out swinging in the first inning, starting with an RBI double from
Erica Riley to bring home
Megan Hooper for the first run of the game. Hallmark followed with a two-bagger of her own, putting runners on second and third, and
Bailey Bryan pushed them across with an RBI single through the right side.
Next, Kylie Pavliceck ripped a double to left field, and Congalton cleared the bases, launching a shot to straightaway center to put the Tornados up 6-0 in the first inning.
Howard Payne pushed their lone run across in the top of the second by way of a sacrifice fly, bringing the score to 6-1.
In the bottom half of the inning, a two-out triple from Riley set up an RBI single from Hallmark, extending the CTX lead to 7-1.
The Tornados tacked on another run in the third when Congalton stole third and an errant throw from the catcher brought her home. Heading into the fourth inning, CTX led 8-1.
Hooper led off the bottom of the fourth with a walk and stole second, and
Cristina Ayala brought her across with double to left center. Riley followed with a single through the right side, and Hallmark put down an RBI bunt single to score Ayala. Finally,
Hailee Tinajero delivered a two-RBI single, pushing the CTX advantage to 12-1 after four innings.
The Yellow Jackets picked up a pair of hits in the fifth, but Tisdale retired the next three batters, closing the door on a 12-1 victory for the Tornados.
The Tornados sweep their first American Southwest Conference series of the season, improving to a 4-2, 3-0 ASC record.
Before continuing ASC play, the Tornados will host Southwestern for a doubleheader on Tuesday with the first game set for 4 p.m.
