HOUSTON,TX- The University of St. Thomas Softball team kicked off the 2025 season at home with a doubleheader against Mary Hardin-Baylor. The first game saw early-season jitters from both teams before the bats started heating up. With the first games of the season, the Celts are 0-2.
Game 1: UMHB 6, UST 5
After a quiet start, the Celts came alive in the bottom of the third inning. Jaelyn Simmons sent a hit to left field, allowing Savana Henken to score while Rebecca Archibald and Delayne Moreno advanced. Moments later, Chloe Bennett reached first base, bringing home Delayne Moreno to extend the lead. Samantha Crumrin followed with a hit to left, plating Rebecca Archibald, and Olivia Sanchez capped off the inning with a hit to center that allowed Jaelyn Simmons to score. The four-run surge put St. Thomas up 4-0.
It wasn't long until Mary Hardin-Baylor responded in the top of the fourth. They quickly had batters of their own to bring their home players in and tying the game at 4-4.
In the top of the sixth, UMHB took the lead when UMHB's Skinner delivered a hit that brought in 2 runners, putting the Crusaders ahead 6-4.
The Celts made a push in the seventh, with Savana Henken tripling and scoring, cutting the deficit to 6-5. However, the rally fell short as UMHB held on for the win.
Game 2: UMHB 2, UST 1
The second game saw dominant pitching early, with both teams held scoreless through three innings. UMHB broke the deadlock in the top of the fourth with two runners bringing it home and claiming the lead to 2-0 in the fifth.
St. Thomas fought back in the bottom of the sixth when Ana Zazoya ripped a single to right, allowing Jaelyn Simmons to score and make it a 2-1 game. The Celts pressed for the equalizer in the final inning, but the Crusaders' defense held firm, sealing their second win of the day.
Up Next
The Celts look to regroup as they return to action on February 8th, facing UTD in another home doubleheader at 12 PM and 2 PM. For more updates for softball, visit ustcelts.com or follow softball on IG @ustsoftball.
