OKLAHOMA CITY -- Texas A&M University-Texarkana's softball team put up 3 insurance runs in the sixth frame and defeated Eastern Oregon, 5-3, in their opening game of the 2022 NAIA softball tournament at Ann Lacy Stadium on Monday.
Anna Westberry (24-4) earned the win for the Eagles (43-12), tossed 6 1/3 innings, gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, walked a batter and struck out 5.
Patti Swimley doubled to left center in the sixth as Macie Reeves and Sierrah Kupihea scored to give TAMU-T a 4-0 advantage. Sarah Velasquez slapped an RBI single to center to increase the lead, 5-0.
Blair Quarles scored on a fielder's choice in the first to give the Eagles an early 1-0 edge. Baylee Stautzenberger laced in an RBI single to left field as TAMU-T grabbed a 2-0 lead.
Designated player Erkia Richardson led all players in hitting as she went 3 for 3 (all singles) for the Eagles.
Amanda Smith absorbed the loss for the Mountaineers (41-16), threw 5 1/3 innings, gave up 5 runs on 6 hits and had 4 strikeouts.
The NAIA tournament is composed of four teams in 10 brackets. The format is double elimination.
TAMU-T, the No. 3 seed out of the Oklahoma City Bracket, takes on No. 1 seed and host Oklahoma City at Ann Lacy Stadium at 11 a.m. today. The loser plays the winner of the Eastern Oregon-William Woods game today at 3 p.m. in an elimination showdown.