CORPUS CHRISTI – The Texas A&M - Corpus Christi softball team dropped the first game of the Southland Conference series to McNeese State, 6-1, today at Chapman Field. The Islanders (4-16-1, 0-4 SLC) tallied eight hits in the loss led by Cosette Hernandez, Dani Tefft and Brittney Morse who all chipped in a pair of hits each.
The Cowgirls (18-6, 4-0 SLC) put together a three-run top of the third before adding a run in the fifth and two in the seventh. The Islanders tacked on a run in the bottom of the sixth and loaded the bases but McNeese's defense spoiled the threat. The Cowgirls then added two runs in the seventh en route to their sixth straight win.
McNeese plated three runs on three hits in the top of the third after Erika Piancastelli hit a RBI double to left field to score Emily Vincent who reached on a walk with two outs. Bryanna Castro followed with a RBI single through the left side to plate Piancastelli. The third Cowgirl came across home plate after Lauren Langner hit a RBI triple to right center to plate Castro.
The Cowgirls maintained their lead and tacked on a run in the top of the fifth after Tori Yanitor hit a RBI single to left center with two outs to score Castro who reached on an infield single.
The Islanders then put together a rally in the bottom of the sixth. Hernandez started things off with her second triple of the season with a shot to center field and Tefft followed with an infield single. Morse then stepped to the plate and ripped a RBI sacrifice fly to right field to score Hernandez. With Tefft on first, Liz Carter drilled a single down the left field line to put Islanders on first and second. After a pitching change by the Cowgirls, senior Mickayla Cochran loaded the bases after recording the Islanders fourth hit of the frame with an infield single. With one out, the Cowgirls were able to escape as the Islanders hit back-to-back fly outs.
McNeese posted a pair of runs in the seventh after Castro hit a two-run home run with one out over the left field wall. She brought Piancastelli, who reached on a walk, across home plate.
Morse went 2-for-2 while Hernandez went 2-for-3 and Tefft chipped in two hits as well. Carter and Cochran each added one hit for the Islanders who registered eight hits in the game to the Cowgirls' nine.
Carter (3-10) recorded the loss for the Islanders in the circle. The sophomore allowed nine hits, six runs, five of them earned, while walking two and striking out four in seven innings.
Emily Vincent (8-1) picked up the win for the Cowgirls. She allowed six hits and one run while walking two and striking out five in 5.1 innings. Jamie Allred came in relief and secured the save.
The Islanders and Cowgirls will continue play tomorrow in a doubleheader starting at 12 p.m. at Chapman Field.
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