Softball Shuts Out Texas College to Own Nation's Longest Winning Streak

SAN ANTONIO (March 9, 2024) – The No. 1-ranked Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) softball team blanked Texas College (TC) in both games of the doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. The Saints improve to 23-1 on the season and 6-0 in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). OLLU now leads the NAIA with the longest current winning streak at 19.

History

The Saints were 34-3 against TC prior to the games.

Game one

Cassandra Valdez pitched a spectacular game in the first contest on Saturday. She went all seven innings with 11 strikeouts while allowing only three hits to earn the win. The Saints marked three runs in the bottom of the second inning. Marissa Bradley reached on a fielder's choice which allowed Grace Ross to score from third base. Kristee Salas later doubled to bring in two runs. The 3-0 lead held until the sixth inning when the Saints added another run. Ross hit a sacrifice fly to score Valdez for the permanent 4-0 victory.

Game two

OLLU's offense shined in the second game of the doubleheader. Kayla Dreese started the scoring in the first inning with a solo home run over the left field fence. Alana Benitez doubled in the second inning to bring in Madison Garza, and Eneli Garza followed with a ground out RBI to score Ava Hernandez. The Saints added two more runs in the fourth inning. Natalie Rodriguez singled through the left side to score Valdez and up the lead to 6-0 in the fifth inning. Benitez ended her senior recognition day with a walk-off three-run home run to conclude the contest in a run rule. The Saints won 9-0 backed by 10 hits. Hernandez pitched all five innings in the circle with two strikeouts to earn the win.

Hear from Head Coach Bruce Lenington, senior Alana Benitez and watch highlights.

Up next

The Saints battle Doane University in a doubleheader at home on March 12 starting at 12 p.m.