Softball Season Comes to a Close Against No. 2 OLLU

NAIA Tournament Central

SAN ANTONIO – After a win against No. 19 Campbellsville, Taylor took the field against No. 2 Our Lady of the Lake for a second time in two days, ultimately suffering a season-ending loss against the Saints, 10-3.

In the loss Emma West swiped yet another bag, securing the career program record for steals with 69, after tying the record a day before. The senior stole two bases during the Opening Round for 17 this season, which led the team.

Aleyah Rastetter laced two more base knocks in the contest, which brought her tally up to five in the Opening Round, along with three runs batted in, both of which led the Trojans. Caitlyn Grim also notched two base hits in the contest in her final outing for Taylor.

The Trojans scored their first two runs in the bottom of the third after falling behind 8-0. With two on and two out, Rastetter belted a double that plated West and Jersey Tannehill to get TU on the board.

The top of the order produced Taylor's run in the sixth as well. West walked to reach first and promptly stole second before singles by Rastetter and Delaney Barton drove her home. A base knock from Grim loaded the bases, but unfortunately, no more runs crossed the plates as two looking strikeouts ended the threat and took the winds out of the sails of the Trojans.

Taylor's postseason success highlighted the upside of a young team that will look to build on its late-season momentum next year.

TU will bid farewell to four seniors, West, Grim, Cassy Lewis, and Lindsey Nolt, after outstanding careers in the Purple and Gray. Grim leaves as the career leader in sacrifice flies, while Lewis is the program record holder in saves in both a single season and career. Along with the stolen base record, West ends her career second on Taylor's all-time career leaders in both runs scored and hit by pitches while also in the top ten in career hits and walks.