CANYON, TEXAS – The Colorado Mesa University softball team advanced to the NCAA South Central Championship Game with a 2-1 win over No. 1 West Texas Friday (May 6).

The Mavericks improve to 40-11 on the season, and the Lady Buffs fall to 53-3.

McKenzie Surface threw another great performance for Mesa. The Colorado Springs, Colo., native struck out seven and gave up five hits for the complete game win.

After two scoreless innings, West Texas got on the board with one run in the top of the third.

Brittany Gehle reached on a double to left field and moved to third on a single by Andrea Sitter. Gehle scored the lone run for the Lady Buffs on a sacrifice fly to right field by Shea Ibrahim.

The Mavericks responded with both of its runs in the bottom of the third.

Sara Phillis doubled to left center and advanced to third on a ground out, the second out of the inning, by Nicole Robinson. Phillis scored on a single to the pitcher by Alex Dufour. Baylee Boren hit a double down the left line that would see Alex Dufour score the winning run after the catcher dropped the ball on the tag at home.

Brooke Hodgson led-off the fourth with a single to second base on a sac bunt by Zoe Pakes. Kaila Jacobi walked and a sac bunt by Kellie Mrofcza gave Mesa runners on second and third. The duo were left stranded on base after a strikeout ended the inning for CMU.

The Lady Buffs started the fifth inning with a walk and a single. The pair advanced a base on a sacrifice fly, but the Mavs got out of the inning with a strikeout and fly out.

Mesa went three and out in the fifth and sixth.

Brittany Cruz led off the seventh with a double to left center. Cruz was left at the top of the diamond after a pop fly and a pair of swinging strikeouts to end the game.

Colorado Mesa will face the winner of the West Texas and Texas A&M – Commerce game Saturday.