Softball defeats Montclair State, will rematch Salisbury Sunday

TYLER, Texas — A four-run sixth inning, including three doubles, gave the No. 13-ranked St. Thomas softball team a 4-3 victory over No. 12-ranked Montclair State in an elimination game at Suddenlink Field.

Starting pitcher Kendra Bowe tossed six innings and allowed two earned runs while striking out three batters. The Tommies were led offensively by catcher Emily Gregory’s 2-for-2 performance, including her game-tying double in the sixth inning.

Catcher Emily Gregory looks to third base before stepping into the batter’s box in the NCAA regional championship game. Gregory’s 2-for-2 performance led the Tommies offensively against Montclair State in an elimination game at Suddenlink Field. (Jacob Sevening/TommieMedia)
Catcher Emily Gregory looks to third base before stepping into the batter’s box in the NCAA regional championship game. Gregory’s 2-for-2 performance led the Tommies offensively against Montclair State in an elimination game at Suddenlink Field. (Jacob Sevening/TommieMedia)

The Red Hawks took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but weren’t able to add any more runs until a two-run seventh inning, which Tommie pitcher Katie Jo Delisle worked out of to get the save.

St. Thomas outfielder Bianca Peterson started the sixth inning rally with a single to center field. This was followed by RBI doubles from Gregory, first baseman Erin Mussett and third baseman Mary Rentz.

The Tommies went three-up, three-down in the final inning but came out defensively and earned the win.

They will next be in action at noon Sunday in another elimination game against Salisbury, which they lost to 1-0 earlier in the tournament.

Kyle Jonas can be reached at jona7984@stthomas.edu.