WACO – The Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team fell in two five-inning games by scores of 10-0 and 17-0 to No. 21 Maryland and Minnesota, respectively, on Friday at Getterman Stadium as part of the Baylor Invitational.
 
A&M-Commerce played a nationally ranked team for the first time this season and took on the Golden Gophers in the nightcap, who went to the NCAA tournament last season. The Lions are now 2-11 on the season.
 
Coach Brittany Miller said, "scores are not indicative of the way we are moving forward and getting better. We have a big day tomorrow and have to make progress every day!"
 
GAME 1: No. 21 MARYLAND 10, A&M-COMMERCE 0 (Five Innings)
The Terps scored three in the top of the first. Jaeda McFarland hit an RBI double, while Amelia Lech homered to center that scored McFarland.
 
After a scoreless second from both teams, Maryland added two more in the third. McFarland stole home and Mackense Greico scored on a throwing error by the Lions. In the fourth Sydney Lewis drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to right.
 
The Terps needed two runs to put the run rule in effect in the top of the fifth, they scored four, but three were unearned. Sammi Woods hit an RBI double down the right field line, while two runs scored on a fielding error by the Lions, and McFarland drove in another on an RBI double to left.
 
A&M-Commerce did not have a baserunner for the second straight game. Trinity Schlotterbeck pitched a five-inning perfect game with eight strikeouts. She pitched 66 pitches in the game.
 
On the Lions end, Madeline Janssen (Earlham, Iowa) allowed three earned runs in 0.1 innings and was charged with the loss. McKenna Meadors (The Woodlands Christian Academy) tossed the final 4.2 innings and allowed three earned runs.
 
GAME 2: MINNESOTA 17, A&M-COMMERCE 0 (Five Innings)
The Lions served as the away team in the second game and Ayanna Williams (Round Rock – Cedar Ridge) singled to left center for the first hit in three games. Minnesota scored five in the bottom of the first, all coming via the long ball.
 
Kayla Chavez hit a two-run home run, Addison Leschber hit a two-run home run to center, and Taylor Krapf hit a solo shot to center. In the second, Krapf hit a two-run home run as well.
 
Natalie DenHartog added a two-run home run in the third and then she had an RBI single in the fourth as did Jess Oakland. Also in the fourth, Krapf drew a bases loaded walk that scored Oaklend in the fourth and Delanie Cox hit a grand slam to left center.
 
The Lions had three hits in the game, one coming for Williams, while Ashlynn Griffith (Cedar Hill) and Tatum Wright (Frisco – Centennial) had one as well. Anissa Arredondo (San Antonio – Warren) took the loss in the circle for the Lions.
 
Jacie Hambrick won the game in the circle for the Golden Gophers. She tossed three innings and struck out one, while allowing two hits. Bri Enter, in relief, allowed one hit and a walk, while striking out two.
 
At the plate, Oakland, Krapf, and DenHartog had three hits each in the game. Both Krapf and Cox recorded four RBIs each as well.
 
UP NEXT
The Lions face No. 23/25 Baylor on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. After that game, the four teams will be seeded for the bracketed playoff with the semifinals taking place on Saturday evening.