HAMMOND, La. — A long day turned into a late night Thursday, and the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi softball team couldn't recover after an early delay and quick start by top-seeded Southeastern, falling 8-0 in six innings on the opening day of the Hammond Bracket in the Southland Conference Tournament.
 
Originally scheduled for a 2 p.m. first pitch, the game was halted in the top of the first inning due to weather and didn't resume until 8:40 p.m. No. 8 A&M-Corpus Christi (14-38) had threatened immediately when Zoey Stewart opened the game with a triple to left center before the delay, but the Islanders were unable to bring her home after play resumed.
 
Ultimately, the Islanders managed just three hits against No. 1 Southeastern and were shut out as the Lady Lions pulled away.
 
Erynne Castillo recorded the Islanders' second hit with a single in the second inning, but the rally was cut short. After a scoreless middle innings at the plate, the Islanders continued to search for offense as Eva Gallegos added a pinch-hit single in the sixth inning for the Islanders' final hit of the night, but a pair of fielder's choices ended the scoring threat.
 
In the circle, Kendra Winfrey worked the first four innings for the Islanders before Josie Whitehead and Holly Ayala finished the game in relief.
 
Stewart led the Islanders offensively, going 1-for-3 with a triple, while Castillo and Gallegos accounted for the other two hits.
 
With the loss, A&M-Corpus Christi moves into the consolation bracket of the double-elimination tournament and will face No. 4 UIW at 11 a.m. Friday.
 
Hammond Bracket // Championship Central 
Friday, May 1
11 a.m. – Game 3 // No. 4 UIW vs. No. 8 A&M-Corpus Christi (elimination)
Stats
ESPN+
2 p.m. – Game 4 // No. 5 Lamar vs. No. 1 Southeastern
 
Saturday, May 2
11 a.m. – Game 5 // Winner of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4 (elimination)
2 p.m. – Game 6 // Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game 5
 
Sunday, May 3
1 p.m. – Game 7 (if necessary) // Winner of Game 6 vs. Loser of Game 6
 
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