Posted: May 04, 2024
SEGIUN, Texas – Fourth-seeded Southwestern scored three runs with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, highlighted by Samantha Saenz’s walk-off two RBI single to stun sixth-seeded Austin College and avoid elimination with a 3-2 win in Saturday's opening SCAC Tournament game. Official Website | Bracket l Photo Gallery | Tournament Stats
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Despite both teams threatening to break the game open through the opening three innings, the contest remained scoreless until Austin College scratched a run across in the top of the fourth courtesy of an RBI double from Carrie Johnson. The hit came with two outs following a walk issued to Hannah King who came around to score on the Johnson double to give the ‘Roos a 1-0 lead.
- Austin College came right back in the top of the fifth to make it 2-0 as Faith Butler scored her 14th run of the season, tagging from third from a deep sacrifice fly off the bat of Chyrsi Hemby.
- Going into the seventh inning, Southwestern had left seven runners stranded and needed to plate at least two to keep the season alive. Following two quick outs by the ‘Roos, Jodi Glenn-Millhouse singled to keep the inning alive with her second hit of the game. Meghan McCarthy walked followed by an RBI single from Riley Glenn-Millhouse to set the table for the dramatic walk-off.
- Saenz, the senior, stepped into the box looking for her first hit of the afternoon and delivered a two out, two RBI single to send the Pirates into hysteria and keep the ship sailing at the SCAC Tournament.
AUSTINC COLLEGE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Carrie Johnson: 1-4, 1 RBI
- Alissandra Tobar: 2-2, 2 walks
- Hailie Swiatkowski: 6.2 IP, 1 K, 3 ER, 8 H
SOUTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Jodi Glenn-Millhouse: 2-4, 1 run scored
- Riley Glenn-Millhouse: 2-4, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
- Samantha Saenz: 1-4, 2 RBI
- Brooke Yanta: 2-3
- Hailey Arrington: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R
NOTABLES
- The win marked the first time since 2019 Southwestern has won multiple games at the SCAC Tournament after winning its opening contest on Friday.
- Southwestern improved to 4-0 all-time against Austin College in SCAC postseason play and 31-26 overall.
- Southwestern is just the second program in SCAC history to win 30 games at the SCAC Tournament, joining Trinity that leads the league with 51 all-time.
- Austin College falls to 5-12 overall at the SCAC Softball Tournament.
- Southwestern improves to 17-25 on the season.
- Austin College, which made an SCAC Tournament appearance this year for the first time since 2015 sees its season end with a mark of 18-22.
UP NEXT
The Pirates advance to face the winner of game six between St. Thomas and Centenary later today at 5:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the 'Roos are eliminated with the loss.
