EDMOND, Okla. – The No. 21 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team picked up one win and one loss in their games on Saturday. After falling 5-0 to No. 22 Rogers State earlier in the day, the Lions bounced back to get a 7-1 win over Central Oklahoma later in the day.
 
The results bring the Lions to 9-4 on the season. The Lions now enter conference play as they host Texas Woman's in a doubleheader on Wednesday. The game will begin at 4 p.m. at the John Cain Family Softball Field.
 
HEAD COACH RICHIE BRUISTER AFTER THE GAMES
On the game against No. 22 RSU: "Otto did a good job of striking out their hitters. Unfortunately their pitcher was better than our hitters today. We'll get to face her again in a couple weeks, so we have to accept that challenge and make those adjustments and help our pitching out."
On the game against UCO: "I was excited about how we rebounded against Central Oklahoma. We came out and scored six runs in the first two innings. The bats definitely woke up and responded. And LeBlanc threw great with no walks and 10 strikeouts. That's what we want to see, with the offense scoring seven runs. We had a great game on the defensive side and the offensive side."
On getting three wins during the tournament: "It was overall a good weekend, going 3-1 against a field where every team had a winning record. I would have loved to win all four, but winning three out of four is a good weekend. That last game builds going into our conference opener next week. We are looking forward to the conference opener on Wednesday."
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 1)
- Emily Otto (Richmond – Lamar) pitched 5.2 innings and had a season-high 10 strikeouts. Maya Shelby (Sabinal) pitched the final third of an inning.
- Uxua Modrego (Burlada, Spain), Madison Schaefer (Frisco – Independence), Kinsie Hebler (Cypress – Cy-Fair) and Avery Boley (Fort Worth – Nolan Catholic) each had a hit in the game.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 1)
It was a pitcher's duel throughout much of the game, as neither team could find success against their opponent's ace. Otto had four strikeouts over the first two innings to hold RSU at bay.
 
The Lions had a pair of runners reach in the fourth inning, with a single from Modrego and a walk. However, they could not get the runs around to break the scoreless tie.
 
Otto had another strikeout in the fourth and two more in the fifth as the Lion defense continued to hold strong. However, the Lion bats could not find the open field, as RSU also played stellar defense behind strong pitching.
 
RSU broke through in the sixth inning, first with a solo home run, and then with a three-run homer. The Lions trailed 5-0 after the sixth inning, and could not find the runs they needed in the seventh to extend the game.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 2)
- Uxua Modrego (Burlada, Spain) had her best game in a Lion uniform to date, bringing in four RBIs and also scoring a run.
- Madison Schaefer (Frisco – Independence) led the game off with a solo home run, her fifth home run of the season. She had two hits and two RBIs.
- Alyssa LeBlanc (Katy) pitched a complete game and had her second consecutive game with at least 10 strikeouts. She also had a hit and an RBI.
- Ta'Lyn Moody (Mansfield - Legacy) had two hits and scored a run, while Jodie Hill (Heavener, Okla.) had one hit and scored two runs.
Chealsea Slider (Texarkana, Ark.), Kinsie Hebler (Cypress – Cy-Fair) and Avery Boley all had hits as well.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 2)
The Lions jumped out on top early, as Schaefer hit a solo home run to give the Lions the lead. After Hebler drew a walk, she then scored on a double from LeBlanc. UCO had a pair of singles and brought a run across in the bottom of the inning, as the Lions led 2-1 after one inning.
 
The Lions added to their lead in the second inning, as the bases were loaded for Modrego, who hit a double into the gap in left center, clearing the base paths for three more runs. Schaefer then hit a sacrifice fly to score Modrego. The Lions led 6-1 after two innings.
 
Modrego had another RBI in the fourth inning on a sacrifice that scored Hill, who reached on a triple down the right field line. The Lions led 7-1 after four innings.
 
LeBlanc pitched a strong game throughout, routinely getting batters to chase, as she closed the game out strong. The Lion defense continued to make good plays when the ball was put in play, not allowing another run to cross the plate.