KINGSVILLE– The No. 7 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team defeated Angelo State 2-0 in the Lone Star Conference tournament semifinal game. The Lions scored runs in the fifth and sixth innings and the defense allowed just two hits.
 
The win brings the Lions to 38-11 on the season and they advance to the LSC Tournament Championship game for the first time in program history. The Rambelles fall to 34-20 and they are eliminated from tournament play.
 
The Lions await the winner of A&M-Kingsville and Tarleton to determine their opponent in the LSC Tournament Championship game. The game will be played at 7 p.m. at Vernie and Blanche Hubert Field in Kingsville.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Emily Otto (Richmond – Lamar Consolidated) pitched a two-hit shutout, her 11th shutout of the season. She held ASU hitless in the final three innings.
- Madison Schaefer (Frisco – Independence) drove in the Lions first run of the game in the fifth inning. Jodie Hill (Heavener, Okla.) scored the run.
- Bri Sims (Rowlett) added to the Lion lead with an RBI single in the sixth. She drove in Ta'Lyn Moody (Mansfield – Legacy).
 
HEAD COACH RICHIE BRUISTER AFTER THE GAME
- On the offense coming up big late: "We weathered the storm early. Our timing was off at the plate. But I was proud of our kids. They kept battling and made adjustments. We got some people on with walks and then we had our freshman step up with Schaefer getting the big hit. Then Bri Sims had the big hit to get us an RBI and an insurance run."
- On the performance of Otto in the circle: "She was big time. To stay composed in a big game like this, with the score at 0-0 for five innings, she gave our offense a chance. I was really proud of what she did against a great Angelo team. She showed who she was and gave us a chance to win the ball game."
- On the defensive performance: "The defense was outstanding. It was a shame that Slider didn't get the gold glove but she showed today why she should have. She made a play up the middle in the last inning that very few players can make, and she kept the tying run from coming to the plate. That keeps the momentum on our side."
- On advancing to the LSC Championship game: "From where we've come as a startup program, now we find ourselves in the championship game. We had the chance to play for a regular season championship last week and have a chance to play for a tournament championship tonight. This is the best conference in the country and for us to be in it is outstanding."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a slow start offensively for the Lions as they were held hitless in the first four innings of the game. Otto and the defense kept ASU off the board as well, striking out four batters in the first two innings. The Lions had a runner reach on an error and another error took her to third but the Lions could not bring her across.
 
The Lion defense continued to play well, holding off an ASU rally in the third inning. Otto struck out two more in the fourth inning and the game was still scoreless.
 
The Lions took the lead in the fifth inning. After Hill drew a walk and stole second base, she scored on a single from Schaefer to right. The Lions led 1-0 after five complete.
 
The Lions added to their lead in the sixth inning. Boley singled to right and was pinch run for by Moody. After a sacrifice bunt took her to second, Moody scored on a single to right from Sims. The Lions led 2-0 after six innings.
 
Otto held ASU without a hit in the final three innings and the Lion defense continued its excellence. Chealsea Slider (Texarkana – Texas HS) made a difficult play to her left to keep a hit from going through the middle in the seventh. A flyout to center ended the game.