Softball competed in the opening round of the NCAA Regional this Thursday afternoon. After seven hard-fought innings against Mary Hardin Baylor, the Celts dropped the opening game 2-0.

It was a quiet game for the first two innings as neither team wanted to give the other an inch. Starting pitcher Bailey Tisdale would get into early jams, however, the Celt defense did not let Mary Hardin Baylor get more than one run in the third and forth innings. With the score now 2-0, St. Thomas was looking for a spark on offense. After a leadoff hit by Hailey Jackson in the fifth, Kayleigh Deakle represented the tying run, however, St. Thomas was unable to capitalize. In response, Allison Hughes relieved Tisdale and pitched 2.1 shutout innings to prevent further damage. However, the Crusader pitching gave the Celts all they could handle in the remaining two innings as the score held 2-0 securing the Mary Hardin Baylor victory. 

Up next, St. Thomas will await the loser between Berry and Rosemont College for the first round of the losers bracket. With elimination on the line, the Celts will face the winner at 2:30 pm tomorrow!