ODESSA– The No. 5 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team defeated UT Permian Basin 7-0 on Saturday afternoon. After both teams went scoreless in the first four innings, the Lions pushed runs across in the final three innings to get the win.
 
The win brings the Lions to 16-2 on the year and 6-0 in the Lone Star Conference. UTPB falls to 2-12 and 0-3 in league play.
 
The Lions return home for a Wednesday doubleheader against St. Edward's. First pitch will be at 3 p.m. at the John Cain Family Softball Complex. Tickets are available at WeAreLionsTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756, by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House or by purchase at the gate.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Bri Sims (Rowlett) brought in three runs on a base-clearing single in the fifth inning. She also scored a run with two hits.
- Madison Schaefer (Frisco - Independence) drove in the winning run with an RBI double in the fifth. She also scored.
- Kayla Kilcrease (Kerens) had a hit and an RBI. Vanessa Muro (Oak Hills, Calif.) and Kynslee Noriega (Kyle - Lehman) also both drove in a run.
- Ta'Lyn Moody (Mansfield - Legacy) had two hits and scored a run. Jodie Hill (Heavener, Okla.) and Ciera Nunez (Amarillo - Randall) both had a hit and scored. Kimber Neal (Humble - Atascocita) and Noriega also each scored a run.
- Emily Otto (Richmond - Lamar Consolidated) pitched a complete-game shutout, striking out four without a walk. It was her ninth complete game and sixth shutout of the season.
 
HEAD COACH RICHIE BRUISTER AFTER THE GAME
On getting the hits they needed late: "It was a windy one again today. When the wind died down, the bats picked up. That was good to see."
On getting a shutout performance: "We had another good outing from Otto and the defense played well behind her. I was proud of our defense today."
On getting the series sweep: "It was good to go out and get the sweep. We look forward to getting back after it at home on Wednesday against St. Edward's."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Windy conditions made things tough on hitters early in the contest. The teams had just one hit apiece in the first two innings. The Lions threatened in the second inning with bases loaded and one out but could not bring the run across.
 
After giving up an early hit, Otto retired 10 batters in a row. After four complete innings, the teams were still scoreless.
 
The Lion then broke the game open in the fifth inning. After Nunez and Kilcrease reached base, Schaefer hit a double to score Nunez. With bases loaded, Sims came up to the plate and singled into left. Two runs scored and another came across on a wild throw from the outfield. The Lions led 4-0 after five innings.
 
The Lions brought another run across in the sixth as Noriega walked and was put in scoring position by Nunez. Kilcrease hit a sacrifice fly to bring the run across. The Lions added two more runs in the seventh. The Lions loaded the bases with no outs as the first three batters reached. Noriega and Muro both then brought in runs on groundouts. The Lions led 7-0. Otto struck out the final batter to earn the shutout.