Jags’ rally falls short against top-seeded OLLU in RRAC semifinals

SAN ANTONIO – UHV had the winning run on base, but had the door slammed shut in an elimination game against top-seeded and No. 2-ranked OLLU at St. Mary's University on Saturday.

The Jaguars fell 7-5 and saw their season end with an overall record of 28-18. UHV reached Saturday night's game by knocking of Louisiana Christian University in extra innings earlier the same day.

"I'm incredibly proud of our team," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz. "We battled all day. It could've been easy to shut down this morning when things weren't going our way, but we battled to win that game and we battled to give ourselves a chance to win against one of the best teams in the country. These girls gave me their all, and that's all I can ask from them."

After the Saints (45-5) added two runs in the top of the seventh, Claire Blinka notched her third hit of the game with an RBI single to score Kenzie Chambers to pull within two. Alexi Wade followed with a walk before Brianna Strother drew her third walk of the game to load the bases.

UHV trailed 5-1 entering the bottom of the fifth inning before Alana Ortega's three-run double pulled the Jaguars within one run.

The Jaguars pulled within 2-1 in the third inning after Madysin Leighton scored on a wild pitch.

Neech Mendoza was the pitcher of record for the Jaguars after pitching a complete game.

The loss marks the end of the UHV careers of Lauren Caka and Alexis Gonzalez.