SAN ANTONIO - The Trinity Softball team is now on a seven-game winning streak after defeating Concordia University in a nonconference doubleheader. The Tigers won game one by a score of 7-6 after scoring all seven runs in the bottom half of the third. The Tigers also used a five-run sixth inning to coast to a 6-1 victory in game two. Trinity is now (7-12, 3-0 SCAC). 

Sophomore third baseman Marina Delaluna (Concord, Calif. / Concord) had a strong performance at the plate going 3-6 with five runs batted in, one triple, and one double. Sophomore Diamond Elizondo (San Antonio, Texas / Stevens) also went 3-4 at the dish with one double and one RBI.

Senior pitcher Cat Patterson (West Columbia, Texas / Brazosport Christian School) earned another win in the circle in game two to improve to 4-4. The San Antonio native also recorded a save in the first game. Junior pitcher Emery Boettcher (Fredericksburg, Texas / Fredericksburg) recorded the win in game one after tossing 3.2 innings. Boettcher only surrendered one run on two hits and struck out two batters on the afternoon. 

Game One Rundown

The Tornadoes came out swinging and quickly put up three runs in the first inning of the game. In the bottom frame of the first, first-year C/OF Jessica Lloyd (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. / Trabuco Hills) reached base on a single to center field but was left stranded. After giving up three runs on three hits in the opening inning, Patterson retired the next three hitters in order. 

Elizondo hit a two-out double down left field line in the bottom of the second but was unable to reach home. 

Concordia scored two runs in the top of the third to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Boettcher then came in the game in relief of Patterson to work out of a jam and strand a runner on third. 

Staring at a five-run deficit, first-year CF Sydney Watson (San Antonio, Texas / San Antonio Christian) and senior 2B Sammie Whitman (Austin, Texas / Lake Travis) picked up back-to-back hits. Lloyd was then hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out. First-year DP Lanie Smith (Foxfield, Colo. / Regis Jesuit) singled up the middle to plate a run then fellow first-year OF/C Abigail Miller (Winnetka, Calif. / El Camino Real) doubled to right center to bring in two runs. With two outs, Elizondo walked which loaded the bases again. Delaluna then cleared the bases with a double of her own. Whitman later singled again and brought in another run to cap off Trinity's seven-run third inning. 

In the top of the fourth, Trinity was able to escape the inning without any damage after Lloyd threw out a potential base stealer. 

Boettcher gave up one run in the top of the sixth inning, which made the score 7-6. The Tigers had a base runner in the bottom half of the inning but could not bring her in. Patterson came back in in the top of the seventh and closed the door to earn a save. 

Game Two Rundown

Patterson sat the Tornadoes down in order to start the game off. Lloyd again collected the Tigers first hit of the game in the bottom of the first but was unable to score. Concordia scored their only run of game two in the top of the second inning after singling up the middle and later scoring on a double. 

Trinity would remain quiet until tying the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning. Delaluna singled and later scored on a double down the left field line from Watson. 

The Tigers busted the game open with five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Lloyd led the inning off with a single through the left side. Miller singled to put runners in the corners with one out. Sophomore 1B Jordyn Williams (Clayton, Calif. / Clayton Valley Charter) singled through the left side to plate a run and take a 2-1 lead. Elizondo then singled to bring in another run. Delaluna tripled to right center to bring in two more runs to extend their lead to 5-1. Sophomore Dawson Dabboussi (Dallas, Texas / Highland Park) brought in a run on a single through the left side to give the Tigers a comfortable 6-1 lead heading into the top of the seventh. 

Patterson hit the first batter of the inning but quickly settled in to retire the next three batters. The senior threw a complete game and only gave up one run on five hits with three strikeouts. 

Coach Speak

"Today was a great day for softball," explained Head Coach Abby Martin. "We played very well. We made the necessary adjustments offensively against a solid pitching staff. Cat Pat was stellar in the circle and the bottom of our order really got it done too. It feels good to play well and continue preparing for conference play." 

Up Next

The Tigers will host LeTourneau in a non-conference doubleheader Tuesday, March 15th. Trinity will then host Southwestern University in a three-game series on March 19th-20th.