Texas State softball will fight to extend its NCAA Tournament stay Saturday, facing Florida A&M in the Gainesville Regional. The loser’s season will come to a close, while the winner faces Georgia Tech at 2 p.m. for a chance to play Sunday against Florida.
The Bobcats fell Friday to the Yellowjackets 2-1, a pitching duel marred by costly mistakes. Texas State recorded three hits through seven innings, unable to support pitcher Madison Azua’s two-hit, one-earned-run, complete game performance. The bats will need to find some momentum ahead of a potential rematch with Georgia Tech.
Florida run-ruled FAMU 12-0 to open the regional. The Rattlers are ranked 166th in RPI, but should not be underestimated. They took Marshall to the brink in February, losing 3-2, and are led by Southwestern Conference Player of the Year Amari Brown.
Texas State needs to win four games in a row to qualify for the Super Regionals. Here are live updates from Texas State’s matchup with FAMU.
Infielder Amari Brown pops out to second base. Texas State pitcher Emma Strood gets Keeleigh Spooner and Jordan Douglas to pop out as well for a quick inning of work.
Karmyn Bass leads off with a single into right field. Infielder Kate Bubela lays down a bunt single, putting runners on first and second. Catcher Megan Kelnar drops a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Infielder Sami Hood records a sacrifice fly to give Texas State a 1-0 lead. Outfielder Sydney Harvey grounds out to first.
Outfielder Neriah Lee draws a walk. Infielder Amya Ramos flies out. Jamison Townsend lines out to first, and Coleman tags Lee off the bag for a double-play.
Texas State infielder Keely Williams leads off with a groundout. Harley Vestal grounds out as well. Infielder Aiyana Coleman draws a four-pitch walk, and fellow infielder Katarina Zarate lines out to center.