GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University softball split its home-opening doubleheader Friday evening against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, falling 9–7 in game one before bouncing back for a 7–5 victory in game two at Taylor-Sanders Field. The Pirates move to 3–3 overall on the season as they continue building momentum early in the year.

GAME 1 – Mary Hardin-Baylor 9, Southwestern 7

Mary Hardin-Baylor struck quickly with three runs in the opening inning, highlighted by a solo home run and a two-RBI double to take an early lead.

Southwestern responded in the second inning when Allie Fields reached on an error that allowed Mattie Wilkie and Macey Gilman to score, cutting the deficit to 3–2. After the Cru added two runs in the third, Sophia Ytuarte answered with a solo home run to left field to keep the Pirates within striking distance at 5–3.

UMHB added insurance runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to extend the lead to 9–3, but Southwestern mounted a late rally in the seventh. Gilman doubled to left field to drive in a run before Abbi Dominguez delivered a two-run single to center. Calle Collier later added a sacrifice fly to bring the Pirates within two, but the comeback fell just short.

Game 1 Highlights

• Macey Gilman went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI

• Daniella Clark finished 3-for-4 with a run scored

• Calle Collier collected three hits and drove in a run

• Allie Fields added two hits and two RBIs

• Sophia Ytuarte launched a solo home run

• The Pirates recorded 15 hits and two stolen bases

Game 1 Notes

• Southwestern out-hit Mary Hardin-Baylor 15–10

• Five Pirates recorded multiple hits

• The Pirates scored four runs in the seventh inning to spark a late comeback attempt

GAME 2 – Southwestern 7, Mary Hardin-Baylor 5

Mary Hardin-Baylor opened the scoring in the first and added another run in the third to take a 2–0 advantage before Southwestern answered in a big way.

In the bottom of the third, Emery Bell tripled to center field to drive in two runs, tying the game, and Gilman followed with an RBI single to give the Pirates their first lead of the night at 3–2.

After the Cru tied the game again with a solo home run in the fifth, Southwestern regained the lead when Gilman reached on an error that allowed Logan Kieselhorst to score. Mary Hardin-Baylor responded with two runs in the sixth to move ahead 5–4, but the Pirates delivered the decisive rally in the bottom half.

Tara Archibald tied the game with an RBI double to center, Collier added a sacrifice fly to bring home the go-ahead run, and Ytuarte capped the inning with an RBI double to seal the 7–5 victory.

Game 2 Highlights

• Emery Bell recorded a two-RBI triple

• Macey Gilman drove in two runs

• Tara Archibald delivered a key RBI double in the sixth inning

• Sophia Ytuarte added an RBI double off the bench

• Aryana Dunkelberger went 2-for-2 with a walk

• The Pirates scored three runs in both the third and sixth innings

Game 2 Notes

• Southwestern totaled eight hits and capitalized on four UMHB errors

• The Pirates rallied after trailing late to secure the win

• Southwestern earned its third victory of the season

UP NEXT 

• Southwestern will look to carry the momentum forward as the Pirates continue their early-season schedule. The Pirates return to Taylor-Sanders Field on Saturday, February 21st to face Whitworth University, with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m.