NAMPA, Idaho – No matter the score entering the seventh inning, Saints Softball is never out of the game. SMU mounted another impressive comeback, scoring six runs in the final frame to erase a 4-0 deficit and salvage a split with Northwest Nazarene 3-1 and 6-4.
 
Kylie Vanderbout delivered two doubles resulting in RBIs, but none bigger than her second one, scoring the game winning run in the seventh. Six different Saints contributed to the six run inning as the Saints batted around the order to complete the comeback. Lauren Maley earned the win after throwing six strong innings, before Brandi Schoessler came in for the save in the seventh. The Saints stayed one game back of Northwest Nazarene in the GNAC standings and kept their playoff hopes alive with the split.
 
Vanderbout manufactured the first and only run for the Saints in the first game, scoring Nicki DeHan on a RBI double to center field. Northwest Nazarene tied the game in the bottom half of the third, and took the lead for good in the sixth on a RBI double and Saints' error.
 
In the second game, Northwest Nazarene opened up the game with a three run third, including a solo blast and two RBI single. Then in the sixth, the Nighthawks added another insurance run on a long ball.
 
However, it was not enough insurance as Kylie Lopez started the comeback with a RBI double. Julia Lucas followed suit with her fielder's choice, driving in Emily Thornton. Regan Byrd drove in the third run on her single, and Emery Norwood tied the game a batter later.
 
Vanderbout once again delivered with the clutch double, scoring the go-ahead run and Trinity Favela added the final run on a sac fly. Schoessler closed out the game with a strikeout and doubleplay groundball to secure the 6-4 victory.
 
The Saints return to action in their home finale, hosting Central Washington on Friday at 1:00 p.m. Live stats and video will be available on smusaints.com.