GEORGETOWN, TEXAS – The Southwestern University Pirates softball team saw its 2026 season come to a close on Friday afternoon in an elimination game against Berry College at the Southern Athletic Association Tournament. Competing in their first season as members of the SAA, the Pirates battled until the final out in another tightly contested postseason matchup before falling 1–0 to the Vikings. Southwestern concluded the year with a resilient tournament run and continued to showcase the fight and competitiveness that defined the program throughout the season.
GAME FINAL – Berry 1, Southwestern 0
Southwestern and Berry remained locked in a scoreless battle through the early innings, with the Pirates once again turning to junior Sophia Ytuarte for another strong performance in the circle. Ytuarte went the distance for Southwestern, surrendering just one run on eight hits while keeping the Pirates within striking distance throughout all seven innings.
Berry pushed across the game's only run in the fourth inning after Kennedy Moody delivered an RBI single up the middle to bring home Elly Bennett, giving the Vikings a slim 1–0 advantage in a tightly contested postseason matchup.
The Pirates continued to compete offensively despite being held to two hits on the afternoon. Ytuarte contributed at the plate with a double, while Daniella Clark added a base hit of her own. Calle Collier also sparked the Pirates on the bases with a stolen base as Southwestern searched for a late-game rally.
Southwestern battled until the final out but could not find the equalizer, as Berry escaped with the 1–0 win. Following the conclusion of the tournament, Ytuarte earned a spot on the SAA All-Tournament Team after an impressive showing across both postseason contests.
Game Highlights
Game Notes
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Southwestern wrapped up its inaugural season as a member of the Southern Athletic Association
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The Pirates limited Berry to a single run in the elimination matchup
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Ytuarte finished the complete-game effort on 83 pitches
