St. Edward’s used some timely hitting and strong pitching performances from junior Diana Cezeaux and sophomore Paige Sandahl to sweep UT-Permian Basin in a doubleheader Friday afternoon at Dian Daniels Field. St. Edward’s raced to a 7-0 victory in game one, and got a walk-off home run from senior Lisa Paul in the bottom of the eighth to win game two, 3-2 in extra innings.
Sandahl (7-4) was dominant on the mound, allowing just two hits while striking out 18 batters. The 18 strikeouts broke the school record for punchouts. Courtney Francis owned the previous mark with 16 strikeouts in the 2006 season.
St. Edward’s (16-10, 5-0 HC) jumped on UT-Permian Basin (6-17, 0-5 HC) early, scoring six runs in the first inning. Shortstop Lexi Stephens led off with a bunt single. After advancing to second on a sacrifice and third on a wild pitch, she came in to score on a RBI-triple by Paul. Catcher Courtney Lavender would follow with a RBI-single up the middle to score Paul and make it 2-0. After a walk to designated player Stacy Giles, third baseman Brianna Bozon would keep it rolling with an RBI-single down the left field line to score Lavender. First baseman Jenny Varteressian would provide the big blow as she launched a three-run home run to left field to make the score 6-0.
In the second inning, the Hilltoppers would add another run on an RBI-single from Giles to score Paul with two outs.
In game two, Shanna Dees led off the second inning with a solo home run to left field to put the Falcons up 1-0.
Starting pitcher Crystal Cadell (0-3) held the Hilltoppers in check until the third inning when centerfielder Meagen Bailey would score on a double steal to tie the game, 1-1.
The game would go extra innings and Dees would strike again with a solo home run to lead off the inning and put the Falcons up, 2-1.
In the bottom of the eighth, Stephens led off with a single to centerfield. After Stephens was retired on an attempted sacrifice bunt by Bailey, up stepped Paul. The Lake Jackson ripped her first home run of the season to right centerfield to win the game.
Junior Diana Cezeaux (7-4) picked up the victory allowing two runs on 10 scattered hits, while walking two and striking out a career-high 15 batters.
Both Sandahl and Cezeaux combined for 33 strikeouts on the afternoon.
St. Edward’s and UT-Permian Basin will meet for the third and final game of the series on Saturday. The single game is set to begin at 12 p.m. at Diane Daniels Field. Live stats and audio will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.