TYLER – The No. 16 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team dropped a pair of one-run contests against No. 3 UT Tyler on Friday evening. The Lions fell in the first game 2-1 and in the second game 3-2.
 
The losses bring the Lions to 11-6 on the season and 2-2 in Lone Star Conference play. The Patriots improve to 14-0 and 2-0 in the LSC.
 
The Lions return to action on Tuesday as they will head to Claremore, Okla. for a doubleheader against No. 15 Rogers State, scheduled for 2 p.m.
 
HEAD COACH RICHIE BRUISTER AFTER THE GAMES
- Thoughts on the game: "We pitched well and it's a shame when both of your pitchers throw great ball games like they did. Our hitters have to do a better job and step up. Madison Schaefer is the only one hitting the ball consistently. LeBlanc had a home run today but we've only had three kids in our lineup hit home runs. They have to take what they are doing in practice out to the game. Until we do that, we are going to continue to be in these type of ball games. And it's a shame because we are playing great defense and are in all these ball games. But this is solely on the hitters. They need to do their job and when they do, we will be a great team. Until then, we will continue to be in these 3-2 or 2-1 ball games. Our hitters have to find their confidence and take it to the plate with them. We watch them in practice and they are awesome; they just need to take it to the ball games."
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 1)
- Uxua Modrego (Burlada, Spain) had a three hits in the game, and scored the Lions' lone run.
- Madison Schaefer (Frisco – Independence), Jodie Hill (Heavener, Okla.) and Avery Boley (Fort Worth – Nolan Catholic) all had one hit.
- Alyssa LeBlanc (Katy) had the Lions' lone RBI. She also pitched one full inning, recording a stikeout.
- Emily Otto (Richmond – Lamar) pitched the first five innings, recording seven strikeouts.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 1)
The Lions had a pair of runners reach in the top of the first inning as Modrego had a hit and Hebler drew a walk. However, the Lions could not get the runners around to score. Otto had a pair of strikeouts in the bottom of the first to keep the game scoreless.
 
Both teams went without a hit in the second and third innings as the pitching continued to shine for both squads. Schaefer singled in the fourth inning, but was not able to come around to score.
 
The Patriots brought a pair of runs across in the fourth inning, first on a solo home run from Ashley Perez. Two more singles and two walks brought another run across and UTT led 2-0 after four complete.
 
The Lions brought a run across using good base running, as Modrego singled and eventually scored on a pair of fielder's choices. The Lions trailed 2-1 heading into the final inning.
 
A late Lion rally fell short as with two outs, the Lions gave the home team a scare. Serina Aguilar reached on an error, and a single from Jodie Hill put a pair of runners on. Modrego hit a hard ball and another wild throw allowed her to reach, however, the runner tried to score and was just tagged at the plate to end the game.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 2)
- Alyssa LeBlanc (Katy) hit her first collegiate home run, tying the ball game in the sixth inning. She also pitched a complete game, striking out six batters.
- Madison Schaefer (Frisco – Independence) also hit a solo home run, her sixth of the season.
- Jodie Hill (Heavener, Okla.), Kinsie Hebler (Cypress – Cy-Fair), and Chealsea Slider (Texarkana, Ark.) also each had a hit.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 2)
LeBlanc came out on a tear, pitching four perfect innings to begin the game. The Lions had one hit in the second inning from Hebler but were also held in check.
 
The Lions took the lead on a blast from Schaefer that cleared the high center field wall, giving the Lions a 1-0 lead. LeBlanc had two strikeouts in the innings to bring her total to six in the first four innings.
 
The Lions had an opportunity for more in the fifth inning, as Slider led the inning off with a single. The Lions had another runner reach but could not get the runner around. UT Tyler then took the lead, breaking LeBlanc's perfect game with a single, and then a home run, leading 2-1 after five.
 
The Lions fought back to tie the game at 2-all as LeBlanc took a pitch deep to center field, and it cleared the fence. The Lion defense again took three batters down in a row to go into the seventh inning tied.
 
Hill had a hit in the top of the seventh, but it was the Patriots who found the hit they needed. A solo home run ended the ball game in favor of the hosts.