Final Box (pdf)

CANYON – A heavyweight bout between a pair of top-25 teams ensued at Lady Buffs Field Friday night, which took over three hours to decide. The seventh-ranked Angelo State Rambelles edged Lone Star Conference foe No. 23 West Texas A&M, 7-4, handing the Lady Buffs just their second home loss of the season.

ASU's Brittany Astle went 1-for-3 with three RBIs in the game, while Alix Dean extended her hitting streak to eight-consecutive games.

Trailing 1-0 entering the top of the fifth, Angelo State (35-6, 11-2 LSC South) posted four runs on five hits. With one out and runners in scoring position, Amanda Wilhelm came in as a pinch hitter. The sophomore worked deep into the count before pulling a ball through the left side of the infield to tie the game, 1-1.

“We haven't had a lot of success pinch hitting this season, but Amanda really stepped up for us,” said Angelo State head coach Travis Scott. “She kept battling and her persistence finally paid off as she got a base hit in the hole.”

Chelsey Walters kept the rally going, hitting an RBI single to score DeeshanaLynn Tafiti from third. The offensive production continued when Kaycee Taylor hit a double to centerfield which brought home a pair to give ASU a 4-1 advantage heading into the bottom half.

West Texas A&M (30-12, 7-6 LSC South) countered in the bottom of the fifth, scoring two runs on two hits. WT's Kaitlyn Witte found the alleyway in right-center field to bring home a pair and make it a one-run affair (4-3).

Angelo State's Astle delivered the knockout blow to the Lady Buffs in the top of the sixth, hitting a two-run homer off the right arm of Shelbey Cockrell. The 'Belles went on to secure a 7-4 victory.

Mary Kate McKay (12-2) picked up the win after throwing 4.1 innings and allowing two earned runs before handing the ball off to Claire Molina. Molina tossed 2.2 innings in relief and collected her fourth save of the season.

The teams will return to the diamond Saturday for a doubleheader with the first game scheduled for noon and the second game to follow.

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