CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi softball team continued to compete deep into both games of Saturday's doubleheader but was unable to convert in key moments, falling 6-0 and 4-0 to Southeastern in conference action at Chapman Field.
Across the twin bill, the Islanders (10-25, 4-8 SLC) consistently created traffic on the bases and kept both games within reach into the middle innings, but were unable to deliver the timely hit, stranding multiple runners in scoring position.
Against an undefeated Southeastern (30-9, 12-0 SLC) squad, the Islanders couldn't get the offense going while several defensive miscues allowed the league leaders to get the runs they needed to remain untouched in conference play despite solid performances in the circle by the home team.
Game 2 // Southeastern 6, A&M-Corpus Christi 0
After a scoreless first two innings, Southeastern Louisiana broke through with an unearned run in the third before capitalizing on extended opportunities in the fourth to build a six-run advantage.
The Islanders found chances to answer throughout. In the fourth,
Zoey Stewart reached on an error and
Jada Zepeda followed with a single to put two on with no outs, but a pair of outs and a strikeout stranded both runners. In the sixth, a leadoff error allowed another opportunity, and a walk put two aboard before a caught stealing at the plate and a groundout ended the threat, leaving runners in scoring position.
Eva Gallegos provided a steady effort in relief, limiting additional damage in the circle and helping keep the deficit from growing late as the Islanders continued to search for a breakthrough.
Josie Whitehead tossed the first 4.0 innings and was charged the six runs, but all were unearned.
Game 3 // Southeastern 4, A&M-Corpus Christi 0
The Islanders again kept things tight early, matching zeros through the first three innings. Southeastern Louisiana pushed across the first run in the fourth, but A&M-Corpus Christi continued to generate chances.
In the fifth,
Taylor Reyes worked a walk and
CJ Castilla followed with an infield single to put two on with one out, but a strikeout and another groundout left both runners stranded. The Islanders threatened again in the seventh with a leadoff walk, but were unable to extend the inning.
Southeastern added insurance with a two-run home run in the sixth and a run in the seventh to account for the final margin.
Kendra Winfrey and
Mackenzie Durr combined to keep game three within reach, with the starter tallying eight Ks. Offensively, Zepeda recorded multiple hits across the doubleheader, while Castilla added a hit and reached base, and Reyes drew walks to help create scoring opportunities.
On deck:
Tuesday, March 31
4 p.m. – Houston at A&M-Corpus Christi
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