COMMERCE – The No. 10 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team picked up a 5-1 win over No. 23 Arkansas Tech on Friday as part of the Best Western Plus A&M-Commerce Invitational. The Lions fell behind early but rallied to get the win.
 
The win brings the Lions to 5-1 on the season, while the Golden Suns fall to 3-3 on the season.
 
The Lions return to action on Saturday with a pair of home games. They will first host No. 14 Southern Arkansas at 12:15 p.m. and will then host Arkansas Monticello at 4:45 p.m. Both games will be played at the John Cain Family Softball Field.
 
ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH GAY McNUTT AFTER THE GAME
- Thoughts on the performance of Otto: "Emily got off to kind of a slow start, and wasn't pitching the way she is capable. But I like the way she settled in and she did what we needed her to do to get the win."
- Getting contributions from young players: "It's nice to see the freshmen step up and spark us. We certainly needed that in that third inning to get us going. It was nice to see a LeBlanc do that for us."
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Emily Otto (Richmond - Lamar) pitched a complete game, earning her third win of the year. She had five strikeouts and gave up only two hits.
- Alyssa LeBlanc (Katy) had a pair of doubles, scored twice and also had two RBIs. She brought the winning run across.
- Avery Boley (Fort Worth – Nolan Catholic) also had two RBIs. Kinsie Hebler (Cypress – Cy-Fair) also had two hits.
- The Lions had three steals in the game.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams threatened early, as ATU had a pair of runners reach in the top of the first. Otto struck out the final batter to end the rally. The Lions had a pair of singles to lead off the bottom of the inning but could not get the runners around.
 
ATU struck first as they loaded the bases in the third inning. A sacrifice fly brought in a run, giving ATU the lead.
 
The Lions struck back in the bottom of the inning. After getting a pair of early outs, the Lions rallied. Hill drew a walk and Hebler singled to put two runners on. LeBlanc then had a deep hit to center that scored both runners. LeBlanc then scored as she stole and scored on a throwing error. The Lions led 3-1 after three complete.
 
The Lions added to their lead in the fifth inning. Hebler singled and LeBlanc had another double to put two runners in scoring position. Both scored on a single through the middle from Boley. The Lions led 5-1 after five complete innings.
 
The Lion defense clamped down, making diving catches and tough plays, and Otto shined in the circle, giving the Lions the win.