The University of St. Thomas-Houston Softball team captured its first SCAC Championship Sunday afternoon. After upsetting top-ranked Texas Lutheran, the Celts now have an automatic bid into the NCAA Softball Championship.

After a quick first two innings, St. Thomas found themselves up 1-0 after Delayne Moreno hit a deep double down the left-field line to score Hailey Jackson. From there, Texas Lutheran responded with a run of their own in the third to tie the score 1-1. The Bulldogs’ recovery was short-lived though, as senior Kayleigh Deakle saw an opportunity and drove in Adelyn Becerra to score — it was now 2-1 in favor of St. Thomas.

Then, the game became a pitchers’ duel as neither team was willing to give an inch. Starting pitcher Bailey Tisdale found herself in a bases-loaded jam in the top of the sixth, however, she got herself out of it with a fly out to right field. Down to their final three outs, Texas Lutheran was looking for a spark on offense, however, Tisdale showed poise, retiring three consecutive batters to secure the first-ever St. Thomas softball championship.

As mentioned, Bailey Tisdale got the start in the circle for St. Thomas and absolutely capitalized on the opportunity. The senior threw an entire game against nationally ranked Texas Lutheran and allowed just one run on six hits. She also secured her 17th victory, the new program high for St. Thomas softball.

With this victory, St. Thomas clinches a spot in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. In their first year in NCAA Division III, the Softball team becomes the first Celt women’s team to win an SCAC title and make the NCAA National Tournament. Follow ustcelts.com for all updates.