COMMERCE– The No. 2 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team split its doubleheader against St. Edward's on Wednesday evening. The Lions won the first game 4-3 before falling in the second game 11-0.
 
The decisions bring the Lions to 17-3 for the season. St. Edward's improves to 3-7 on the year.
 
The Lions return to action on Friday as they play game one of a three-game series against A&M-Kingsville. The game will begin at 6 p.m. at Vernie and Blanche Hubert Field in Kingsville. The teams will then meet in a doubleheader on Saturday.
 
HEAD COACH RICHIE BRUISTER AFTER THE GAMES
"We have to have some leadership step up. We've been talking about it all year. We've been getting by with good offense and good pitching, but today we just weren't clicking. Leaders need to step up. We have to do a better job of that. People have to hold each other accountable and go out there and get the job done."
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 1)
- Bri Sims (Rowlett) hit a three-run homer in the first inning.
- Madison Schaefer (Frisco - Independence) had an RBI double in the first inning and scored a run. Kayla Kilcrease (Kerens) also had a double in the first inning and scored a run.
- Jodie Hill (Heavener, Okla.) also had hit. Ta'Lyn Moody (Mansfield - Legacy) scored a run.
- Emily Otto (Richmond – Lamar Consolidated) pitched a complete game, picking up her 10th win of the season. She struck out three batters.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 1)
After a quick top of the first inning, the Lions did all of their damage in the bottom of the frame. Kilcrease led off with a double. After Moody drew a walk, Kilcrease scored on a double from Schaefer. Both runners scored on a home run from Sims. The Lions took a 4-0 lead after one complete inning.
 
SEU got a run in the second inning after a leadoff double put a runner in scoring position. A groundout brought a run across. The Lions led 4-1 after two innings. SEU also had a two-run homer in the fourth inning.
 
The Lion bats went cold in the final innings but the defense was able to hold onto the lead in the final innings to pull out the win.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 2)
- Ciera Nunez (Amarillo - Randall) had both hits for the Lions in the game.
- Six runs scored via walk in the game.
- It was the first shutout of the season against the Lions.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 2)
The first two innings were defensive affairs for both teams as neither squad could get much going. SEU then capitalized in the third inning. The Hilltoppers drew four walks, two of which scored runs. Another run came across on a fielder's choice. The Lions threatened with two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the third but could not bring the runners around. SEU led 3-0 after three complete.
 
The Lions again threatened in the fifth inning as Nunez singled to put two runners on base. However, the Lions again could not get the runners around and the Lions were held off the board.
 
SEU broke the game open in the sixth inning, scoring eight runs. Four walks brought in runs with the bases loaded and then a grand slam put four more runs across. The Lions could not rally in the sixth and the game was called.