Billings, MT– In a showdown of fierce softball talent, Saint Martin's University clinched some hard-fought victories against MSU Billings in an exhilarating match up that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The first game kicked off with Saint Martin's setting a fiery tone, as #23
Ashley Goodale ignited the offense with a solid single to center field. Though a double play briefly slowed the momentum, the Saints rallied with #10
Britney Patrick's sharp single followed by #15
Shelby Lawson's powerful homer to left center, giving them an early 2-0 lead. MSU Billings quickly responded in the bottom of the inning, with Seeton's impressive homer narrowing the gap to 2-1. The hosts capitalized on opportunities, drawing walks and a wild pitch to tie the game at 2-2. Undeterred, Saint Martin's surged ahead in the second inning. #4
Kekai Schultz's timely single and #1
Shay Lopes's clutch homer propelled them to a 3-2 lead, showcasing their resilience and offensive prowess. The back-and-forth battle continued throughout the game, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive firepower. Each inning saw thrilling plays and strategic maneuvers, keeping the outcome uncertain until the final moments. However, it was Saint Martin's who ultimately seized control, with a series of powerful hits in the sixth inning. Schultz's home run, coupled with Conerly's impressive two-run shot, extended their lead to 9-4. A flurry of singles and smart baserunning allowed them to further pad their lead, securing a commanding 12-4 advantage. Despite a valiant effort from MSU Billings, highlighted by Seeton's late-game single, Saint Martin's held firm, closing out the game with a decisive victory.
Final score Saint Martin's 12 Montana State – Billings 4
In the second game of the series a game marked by offensive fireworks, Saint Martin's University came out on top against MSU Billings in an exciting showdown. The action began in the top of the first inning when #26
Heather Ebner launched a solo homer to right field, putting Saint Martin's ahead early. However, MSU Billings responded in the bottom half, with Blaschak's double and Meyer's sacrifice fly knotting the score at 1-1. The second inning saw a surge from both teams. #7
Vanessa Smoke's homer for Saint Martin's was answered by a massive four-run blast from MSU Billings, highlighted by Meyer's grand slam. MSU Billings added two more runs, courtesy of Kalehuawehe's RBI single and Galvin's RBI double, extending their lead to 7-2. Saint Martin's refused to back down, mounting an impressive comeback in the fourth inning. A series of hits, including RBI singles from #26
Heather Ebner and #15
Shelby Lawson, brought them within striking distance, trailing 7-6. The fifth inning saw Saint Martin's seize control. #5
Destiny Conerly capitalized on an error, bringing home two unearned runs, followed by a clutch RBI double from Ebner and a sacrifice fly from #10
Britney Patrick, propelling Saint Martin's ahead 10-7. The momentum continued in the sixth inning as Saint Martin's exploded for five more runs, highlighted by #5
Destiny Conerly's three-run homer, extending their lead to 15-7. Despite a valiant effort from MSU Billings, including solid pitching from Troxell, Saint Martin's held on for the win, securing their victory in this high-scoring affair.
Final score Saint Martin's 15 Montana State – Billings 7
In the third game the Saints wasted no time starting the inning off, with #23 Ahsley Goodale drawing a walk early in the first inning and eventually scoring after #10 Brtiney Patrick's powerful double down the left-field line. #15
Shelby Lawson and #4
Kekai Schultz added to the scoreboard with an RBI single and a sacrifice fly, respectively, giving Saint Martin's an early lead of 2-0. Despite a strong defensive effort from MSU Billings, the Saints continued to extend their lead. In the fifth inning, Lawson's sacrifice fly and Schultz's single, combined with some errors in the outfield, allowed Saint Martin's to tack on three more runs, pushing the lead to 5-0. MSU Billings fought back in the bottom of the seventh, capitalizing on some walks and hits to bring in two runs, narrowing the gap to 7-2. However, Saint Martin's defense held strong, ending the inning with a double play to stifle any hopes of a comeback. Offensively, Saint Martin's showcased their depth with contributions from multiple players, including Patrick, Lawson, and Schultz, who each had key hits and RBIs throughout the game. On the defensive side, the Saints' pitching staff delivered a stellar performance, limiting MSU Billings to just two runs despite some late-game pressure.
Final score Saint Martin's 7 Montana State – Billings 2
In the fourth and final game of the series it was evident that both teams were determined to leave everything on the field. Saint Martin's wasted no time making their mark, with #26
Heather Ebner launching a powerful homer to left field in the top of the first inning, setting the tone for what would be a gripping contest. MSU Billings fought back, tying the game in the bottom of the first with a well-executed RBI single by Meyer. The momentum swung back and forth as both teams battled fiercely, but it was in the seventh inning that Saint Martin's truly asserted their dominance. #23
Ashley Goodale led off the inning with a sharp single, igniting a spark in the Saints' offense. Then, with one swing of the bat, Ebner once again blasted a three-run homer to center field, giving Saint Martin's a commanding lead. The Saints weren't done yet. #10
Britney Patrick drew a crucial walk to load the bases, setting the stage for #15
Shelby Lawson to deliver a clutch RBI single through the left side. #5
Destiny Conerly followed suit with a well-placed bunt, advancing the runners and keeping the pressure on MSU Billings' defense. #4
Kekai Schultz kept the inning alive with a fielder's choice, allowing the Saints to continue. Then, #17
Jules Detrinidad delivered the final blow, driving in two more runs with a timely single to right field, extending the Saints' lead to 6-3. Defensively, the Saints remained solid, with standout plays from Zachary in center field and Detrinidad at shortstop, helping to secure the victory.
Final score Saint Martin's 6 Montana State – Billings 3
With these impressive wins, Saint Martin's continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the conference. As they look ahead to future matchups, the Saints aim to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of success on the diamond.