April 3, 2011
GOODWELL, Okla. – So the St. Mary’s softball team didn’t get another no-hitter or one-hitter Saturday. They just had to settle for a mere double-digit victory.
Routing Oklahoma Panhandle State 12-2, St. Mary’s completed the series sweep Saturday to improve to 8-1 in Heartland Conference play.
Outfielder Katie Nichols (So., San Marcos, Texas) led the way with a 3-for-3 effort that included a two-run blast in the fifth inning to help the Lady Rattlers (27-14 overall) put away the game.
Trapped in a 2-2 deadlock three innings in, St. Mary’s stormed ahead 8-2 after posting back-to-back three-run innings in the fourth and fifth frames. The Lady Rattlers tacked on four more runs in the seventh to leave little doubt.
Emily Brittain (Fr., Corpus Christi, Texas) went the distance, striking out seven and scattering four hits to pick up the victory.
In addition to Nichols’ two RBIs, second baseman Sarah Perez (So., San Marcos, Texas), shortstop Richelle Morales (Jr., San Antonio) and right fielder Shelly Lee (So., San Antonio) added two RBIs apiece. Nichols scored three runs, while Perez and designated Alex Garcia (So., San Antonio) crossed home twice.
With the series sweep, St. Mary’s remains one game back of conference-leading St. Edward’s. The Rattlers will travel to Texas A&M International for a three-game series starting next Friday.