Softball bounces back in San Marcos
Brett Medeiros / Staff Writer
After losing six out of its last seven games, the Mean Green came out of the Texas Shootout over the weekend with a 3-2 record, its only two losses coming from nationally-ranked Baylor University.
Thursday
In the team’s only action on Thursday, the Mean Green (7-9) faced tournament host Texas State University (2-12).
Behind the arms of junior pitchers Ashley Kirk and Lauren Poole, the Mean Green held the Bobcats scoreless as UNT won 1-0.
“Games like this show that this team is on the right track,” junior outfielder Jackie Miller said.
Even though the Mean Green grabbed the victory, the team’s offense was still reeling. The one run in this game was the first run scored in the past three games.
Friday
On Friday, the Mean Green continued its success by defeating Texas Tech University (10-5) by a score of 5-3.
Sophomore infielder Jordan Terry continued her hot streak, recording two hits in three at-bats and driving in more than half the team’s runs.
Winning this game gave UNT its first win streak since the season opener in Austin, Texas.
Saturday
On Saturday, UNT played its first double-header of the tournament, beginning with No. 25 Baylor (15-2).
The Bears proved to be too much for the Mean Green, as Baylor took the lead early and never gave it up, ultimately finishing with an 8-3 victory.
“We fought hard,” Poole said. “There were some situations where we could have been more aggressive at the plate but overall we played well against a tough team.”
Game two on Saturday pinned UNT against cross-town rival University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks (6-4).
The Mean Green took the lead early thanks to a three-run third inning, but UTA fought back with a three-run inning of its own in the sixth.
In the end, the Mean Green held off the Mavs for a 4-3 victory, earning a spot in the Texas Shootout championship game against Baylor.
Sunday
In the championship game, the Mean Green struggled against the Bears again, falling 9-3.
This is the second time UNT has found itself in a championship game this season, and in both attempts the Mean Green has come out the loser.
“I was pleased with our performance this weekend,” head coach T.J. Hubbard said. “Obviously we would have liked to win one of those games against Baylor but we beat the teams we were supposed to beat.”
Next, UNT heads back to San Marcos this weekend for the CenturyLink Classic – the final tournament of the season before conference play starts up.
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