MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Closing out the weekend at the Blues City Classic, the UTSA softball team (4-17) fell short in its rally against North Dakota State (9-9), after falling behind the Bison early in Sunday's rematch at Tigers Softball Complex. The Roadrunners and Bison split wins in two meetings this weekend. This was UTSA's final non-conference weekend before starting Conference USA play next week at home.
UTSA captured a short-lived lead in the top of the third to get the scoring under way, as senior Marena Estell capitalized on junior shortstop Kat Ibarra's one-out triple down the line. Estell's RBI single through the right side edged the Roadrunners in front, 1-0.
In the bottom half, the Bison built on a pair of runners with Estell in the circle to flip the advantage. Carley Goetschius' RBI single tied the game, while Emilee Buringa scored on an error and Reanna Rudd brought in Goetschius with an RBI single that moved NDSU ahead, 3-1.
Two frames later, it was Goetschius and Rudd again, this time in tandem with Bella Dean, teaming up in the fifth to add another three runs for a five-run NDSU lead.
That's when UTSA began applying pressure of their own. In the top of the sixth, sophomore Emily Dear led off with a single and quickly crossed the plate on sophomore third baseman Camryn Robillard's RBI double belted to left center. Seniors Ciarra Mata and Estell chipped in a pair of sacrifice flies to cut the deficit to just two runs.
However, the Bison tacked on some insurance in the bottom of the sixth as Rudd reached on an error that scored Ella Claus for NDSU's seventh and final run. Bison pitcher Piper Reed (1) earned the save by quelling any more UTSA pressure in the seventh, sending the game final at 7-4. Lainey Lyle (4-4) earned the win on 5.0 innings of action, allowing nine hits and three earned runs.
Taking the loss, Estell (2-4) threw 4.0 frames, allowing six hits and four earned runs.
At the plate, Estell was 2-for-3 with two RBI to lead UTSA. Taylor Jensen, Dear and Robillard each went 2-for-4, with Robillard collecting an RBI and a run while Dear scored a run.
Retiring from the tournament circuit for the year, the Roadrunners get a few days' break before tackling the Conference USA slate. UTSA opens conference play on Friday, March 10, with a three-game series hosting UTEP (8-11) at Roadrunner Field.
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