Belton, TX – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor softball team saw an early lead slip away, but the Cru battled back for a 6-5 game two win and a split of Tuesday’s doubleheader against Houston-Victoria in Belton. The Cru is now 1-1 to start the season. Houston-Victoria is 4-6 on the year following the split.

The Cru fell behind 1-0 in game two before four walks and Lindsey Gordon’s RBI fielder’s choice gave UMHB a 2-1 lead entering the top of the second. Sara Roman singled home a run to give the Cru a 3-1 lead in the second, but UHV scored four runs in the top of the third to take a 5-3 lead. Lindsey Ferguson singled home two runs and Erin Litvik doubled home two more for the Jaguars. Gordon singled home a run in the bottom of the fourth and Katina Penter added a sacrifice fly to tie the game at five. It would stay that way into the eighth inning before Kacie Kripner doubled home Roman with the game-winner. Shea Parker earned the win with three innings of no-hit relief for the Cru. Kristen Lindley took the loss for UHV. Roman and Jessica Oliver had two hits apiece for UMHB and Lindley led the Jaguars with three hits.

The two teams locked up in a pitcher’s duel in game one before the Jaguars pushed across a pair of runs in the top of the seventh and made it stand up for a 2-0 win. Both teams left the bases loaded in the first inning without scoring. UHV used a hit batter and three straight walks to take a 1-0 lead and the insurance run scored on a wild pitch. Lindley threw a complete-game, six-hitter to get the win for the Jaguars. Lindsey Liles took the loss for UMHB. Amber Scott had three hits for UHV.

UMHB will return to action with four games at the U.T.-Tyler Tournament on Saturday and Sunday. The Cru will face Washington University, Trinity University, Webster College and Maryville College in that tournament.