CANYON, Texas – A three-run fourth inning proved to be just enough offense to take down the Mavericks this afternoon as the Colorado Mesa University Softball Team was narrowly defeated in the opening round of the NCAA Regionals by Angelo State University in a score of 3-2 at Schaeffer Field.
With the loss the Mavs now drop to consolation bracket of the regional site with them taking on Lubbock Christian University tomorrow at 1:30 P.M. MDT. Lubbock Christian was defeated in their opening round game as well with them losing 9-4 to #2 seed West Texas A&M.
The two teams will play to keep their season alive as the winner will go on to face the loser of West Texas A&M vs. Angelo State in game three of the day.
In the tightly contested affair this evening the Mavs matched up with one of the Lone Star's top pitchers this season in Cheyenne Floyd who limited the Mavs to just four hits total of offense and a pair of one-run innings.
Prior to the decisive three-run inning in the fourth, the Mavs held a two-run lead with the bottom of the inning ultimately being what decided the outcome of the game.
Through the first two innings of action both teams were able to put up zeros to start the game with the third inning then being when the scoring began.
The Mavs grabbed their first run of the game in that inning on a pair of walks to get two runners on base with Myah Arrieta then driving in one on a single to the right side.
Following then in the top of the fourth inning, the Mavs grabbed another run to add to their lead with this time being Ally Distler who launched her 16th home run of the season over the left field fence.
The Mavs seemed to be in control of the game, but the Rambelles had other plans in the bottom of the fourth with them then making their push to take the lead and never let go.
In that bottom of the fourth inning the Rambelles sequenced two hits to begin with a single getting one runner on and then a double to follow driving in the first run. An error by the CMU defense proceeded that hit with a single by the next batter driving in a couple more runs. The Mavs were able to get the next three batters out in order, but not before surrendering the lead.
Angelo State challenged to score again in the fifth inning as they loaded the bases with two outs, but CMU pitching was able to get out of the jam.
In the top of the seventh the Mavs had a chance to potentially tie or take the lead with them loading the bases as well but unfortunately fell short as Floyd struck out the final batter of the game.
Totaling the four hits on offense were the trio of Arrieta, Distler and Ava Stephens with Distler ending her day as the only player to have multiple hits between both teams combined.
Taking the loss in the circle for the Mavs was Preslee Christensen as she went three plus innings while giving up five hits and three runs (two earned). Jessalyn Gallegos pitched three scoreless innings in relief while only giving up one run.
