Mesquite, Texas - The Spartans wrapped up their road trip to Texas yesterday (Feb 10). Their first matchup of the day was against another top-ranked opponent, (6) University of Science and Arts. It was a close contest with USA just barely able to come away with the win. The Spartans' second matchup of the day was a surprise. MBU was supposed to take on Midland University, but it was later changed to Southwestern Assemblies of God University. The Spartans made quick work of SAGU, defeating them in five innings, ending the trip on a high note.
 
Game One vs. University of Science and Arts
It took a couple of innings for the Spartans to get things going. They were only able to get a couple of hits in but were finally able to capitalize on those opportunities starting in the top of the fourth. On the other side of things, defense was dialed in, with the Spartans making quick work of the Drovers. In the second inning, they really showed their defensive prowess by shutting down the Drovers with a double play. Second baseman Abby Wilson fielded the ground ball, flipping it to shortstop Miranda Ladson. Ladson then stepped on second to get out the lead runner and proceeded to throw out the batter at first.
 
It wasn't until the top of the fourth when the Spartans put up the first runs of the game. With Wilson on first and Ladson on second and only a single out, MBU was in a good spot. Brooklynn Fischer, who has been in top form at the plate this weekend, was up to bat. The sophomore was able to put the ball in play, knocking one right in the middle of the shortstop and left fielder. Ladson took the chance to round third and make it all the way home. Alexandria Cafolla loaded up the bases shortly after by watching four balls go by. Kolby Brake followed suit with a walk of her own to score the lead runner, Wilson.
 
During the bottom of the fourth, USA managed to put a point on the board, bringing the score to 2-1 MBU. The Drovers continued to put up points later on in the bottom of the fifth, taking the lead 4-2. The Spartans just narrowly missed out on tying it up in the sixth. After Amber Cage went into pinch run for Fischer, she was brought in on a hit by Jenna Achs who caught a lucky break with the first baseman dropping the ball. Unfortunately, they were unable to put up any more runs after that, losing to the Drovers 4-3.
 
Game Two vs. Southwestern Assemblies of God
It didn't take MBU long to get things going against SAGU. Abagail Cafolla and Meghan Hager both get on base with a couple of singles. Fischer, though she was out on the play, was able to move them around, putting both into scoring positions. Natalie Archer then stepped up and hit a high pop fly and with the second baseman losing it in the air, safely made it on base. During the scramble for the ball, Ab. Cafolla was able to make it home, scoring the first run of the game, and Hager worked her way around to third. Leigraf was able to follow up with a sacrifice fly to the left fielder, bringing in Hager.
 
Archer was back with another RBI in the bottom of the third, hitting a ground ball through to the left field to bring in Ab. Cafolla once again. With that, MBU was up 3-0 going into the fourth inning. After three flyouts in a row, the Spartans were back up to bat once again. The Spartans really stepped up their game, unleashing an offensive onslaught to put them securely in the lead.
 
After the first three batters made it on base with a walk, Ab. Cafolla stepped up and hit a line drive into the gap between centerfield and right field. The junior was able to make it all the way to second base while bringing in Ladson, Achs, and Cage. The Spartans continued to win the count with Hager making it on base with a walk. With Ab. Cafolla on second and Hager at first, Fischer was up to bat once again. The sophomore proceeded to hit a ground ball to right field, bringing in Ab. Cafolla. Archer then hit a ground ball of her own to move Fischer to second and bring in Hager. Wright then went in for Archer as a courtesy runner for the catcher.
 
Things didn't stop there. Leigraf was back up to bat and hit a single and loading the bases. The base runners were able to take advantage of a wild pitch, with Fischer able to slide safely into home. With Bake on with a walk, the bases were loaded once again. Despite SAGU trying to shake things up with a new pitcher, Achs was undeterred, hitting a fly ball all the way out to the center field fence. With her big hit, the sophomore was able to bring in all three baserunners and safely make it to third base. Ladson closed wrapped up the scoring plays, hitting a fly ball to the left fielder to bring in Achs.
 
MBU closed out the game 13-0 after shutting down the Lions in the top of the fifth. The Spartans closed out their Texas trip 4-2, walking away with a number of solid wins and a close game against No. 6 University of Science and Arts. Next, the Spartans will be hosting their home opener next Saturday (Feb 17) against University of St. Francis starting at 12 PM.