San Antonio – St. Mary’s University continued its strong start to the 2007 season, defeating #19 Abilene Christian and Midwestern State in softball action on the third day of the St. Mary’s Division II College Classic, played at the San Antonio Independent School District Spring Sports Complex Saturday.

In the first game of the day Brittany Kettinger (Jr., Azle) tossed a three-hit shutout of 19th-ranked Abilene Christian in the Rattlers 2-0 win. Kettinger improved to 2-0 on the season and still has a 0.00 ERA. She struck out four and walked two. The game was scoreless for the first five innings before the Rattlers broke through in the sixth inning.

Mary K Pederson (Jr., Houston) walked to lead off and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Kelsey Walker (Jr., San Antonio) then lined a single to right-center, scoring Pederson with the first run of the game. Walker then stole second and singles by Lindsay Barnes (Jr., San Antonio) and Heather Monroe (Fr., New Braunfels) scored Walker with the second run. Kessinger retired the Wildcats in the seventh inning to secure the win.

The nightcap saw the Rattlers roll past Midwestern State to clinch the tournament championship. Malissa Magee (Jr., Houston) earned tournament MVP honors after allowing just one unearned run on one hit, while walking two in five innings of work. In 18.0 innings of work this season she is 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA and two shutouts.

In the game Walker, Barnes and Monroe all hit homeruns to lead the Rattlers to the 8-1 victory. Monroe’s grand slam homerun gave the Rattlers an eight-run lead and ended the game. Monroe went 2-of-3 with two runs scored.

With the wins the Rattlers improved to 5-0 overall this season. St. Mary’s will return to action on Tuesday when they host Angelo State University in a doubleheader at Rattler Field, starting at 5 p.m.

St. Mary’s Division II College Classic, SAISD Spring Sports Complex

Day 3 Results

(#7) Incarnate Word 3, Cameron 1
St. Mary’s 2, (#19) Abilene Christian 0
Southeastern Oklahoma State 8, Texas Woman’s 0
Midwestern State 15, Texas Woman’s 6
Southeastern Oklahoma State 8, (#7) Incarnate Word 2
Southern Arkansas 9, Cameron 8
St. Mary’s 9, Midwestern State 1
Southern Arkansas 2, (#19) Abilene Christian 1 (8 Inn.)

Final Standings

St. Mary’s, 5-0
Midwestern State, 3-2
Abilene Christian, 3-2
Southeastern Oklahoma State, 3-2
Incarnate Word, 2-3
Texas Woman’s, 2-3
Southern Arkansas, 2-3
Cameron, 0-5

Tournament MVP: Malissa Magee, St. Mary’s
All-Tournament Team: Ashley Bailey (ACU), Lindsay Barnes (St. Mary’s), Carly Goodnight (SOSU), Brittany Kettinger (St. Mary’s), Patty Madera (UIW), Cheyanne Paschal (MSU), Shian Smitherman (TWU), Kristen Stonecipher (MSU), Kelcy Walker (St. Mary’s).

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