LSC SOFTBALL 🥎

[WT_TKW]

As expected WT will be hosting the regional at home while Tyler also hosts.

https://gobuffsgo.com/news/2024/5/6/...ournament.aspx

[BuffaloChip]

As expected WT will be hosting the regional at home while Tyler also hosts.

https://gobuffsgo.com/news/2024/5/6/...ournament.aspx

Looks like WT plays at 2:30 Thur. I'll be traveling and trying to follow the stream or stats.

[Great White Buffalo]

The West Texas A&M softball team returned to the top of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top 25 Poll. This is the sixth time this season the Lady Buffs have topped the poll.

WT earned the top spot after receiving 12 first-place votes for a total of 396 points followed by Indianapolis with four first-place votes and 388 points. UT Tyler stayed at No. 3 with 364 points followed by Mississippi College (348) and Pittsburg State (342). Tampa (303), Wingate (296), North Georgia (287), Charleston (281) and Rogers State (265).

The South Central region boasts five teams in the top 25 with WT leading the way at No. 1. UT Tyler (3^rd), Colorado Christian (11^th), Angelo State (20^th), and Colorado Mesa (25^th) also received spots in the poll.

The Lady Buffs welcome No. 20 Angelo State, Oklahoma Christian, and Regis for the NCAA South Central Region I bracket at Schaeffer Park. Action starts on Thursday, May 9 with top-seeded WT taking on No. 8 seed Regis at 2:30 p.m.

[WT_TKW]

WT loses to Regis, the 8th seed, 4-3. Regis benefited from 2 unearned runs on a horrible throw by usually dependable Diana Murtha.

The entire team looked like they just rolled out of bed, but did eventually start playing well about half way through the game. The Lady Buffs hit the ball pretty well, except most were right to Regis fielders.

WT and Angelo State meet tomorrow at 2:30 in the loser's bracket.

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

WT loses to Regis, the 8th seed, 4-3. Regis benefited from 2 unearned runs on a horrible throw by usually dependable Diana Murtha.

The entire team looked like they just rolled out of bed, but did eventually start playing well about half way through the game. The Lady Buffs hit the ball pretty well, except most were right to Regis fielders.

WT and Angelo State meet tomorrow at 2:30 in the loser's bracket.

Oof. That would be a huge epic choke to not advance out of your own home regional as a top regional/super regional seed.

They were the only top seed to lose yesterday.

UT-Tyler is loving this potential development.

[WT_TKW]

WT showed up for game 1 and promptly committed 3 errors in the first 2 innings. Luckily no runs were scored. Boyer left the bases loaded, trailing 0-1 with 1 out for Heidi Vortherms. Heidi took care of business and pitched 5.2 scoreless innings.

The Lady Buffs bats woke up in the 6th, scoring 3 runs. WT defeated Angelo 3-1.

Heidi started the second game against Regis, who really impressed me in this tournament. They played hard, but couldn't get anything going against Heidi in her 6 scoreless innings. WT won 7-0.

In order to win the tournament, WT must defeat OCU twice tomorrow. If WT plays the way they can, it's possible, but if they suck early on, most likely they will be eliminated in the first game.

Meanwhile Tyler is blowing out their competition and only needs to win 1 more game tomorrow.

[Great White Buffalo]

West Texas A&M softball kept its season alive with a pair of wins at Schaeffer Park on Friday afternoon. With their backs against the wall, the Lady Buffs defeated No. 20 Angelo State 3-1 before defeating Regis 7-0 in the nightcap.

The pair of wins moves WT to 50-7 on the season and advances the Lady Buffs to Saturday's action. WT will face Oklahoma Christian at 2:30 p.m. If the Lady Buffs defeat the Eagles in game one, the two teams return to the field 30 minutes later for a winner-take-all game with a spot in the NCAA Super Regionals on the line.

Game 1 Score: West Texas A&M 3, Angelo State 1
Pitching: (W) Heidi Vortherms (16-4); (L) Cheyenne Floyd (20-10)

After both teams squandered chances in the first inning, Angelo State took the lead in the bottom of the second. The Rambelles started the inning with back-to-back infield singles before a single up the middle from Carter Smith plated a run. Angelo State loaded the bases on the next batter as Ashton Dirner dropped a single into left field, forcing WT starter Emilee Boyer out of the game. After the pitching change, Heidi Vortherms struck out the next batter to put the Lady Buffs in position to escape the inning. The junior right-hander ended the threat with a groundout to Gabriella Valforte at first.

In the third, WT placed a runner in scoring position after Megan Guericke started the inning with a walk. A sacrifice bunt moved pinch-runner Tatem Pendergraft to second. With the Lady Buffs a swing away from tying the game, Angelo State starter Cheyenne Floyd settled in, forcing a pop out from Lauren Granger. Needing a base hit to tie the game, Brittni Rufus lined a ball into the left-center gap, but Rambelles center fielder Laylonna Applin made a running catch on the warning track to save a run.

Floyd continued to deal in the circle, retiring 10 straight WT batters until Rufus singled with two outs in the sixth. Following a Boyer walk, Diana Murtha looped a bases-clearing triple down the right field line to give the Lady Buffs their first lead of the game. Following the triple, Madison Johnson singled down the left-field line to bring in Murtha and extend the lead.

Angelo State wouldn't go down without a fight as the Rambelles drew a leadoff walk in the sixth. Vortherms didn't let the traffic bother her as she ended the inning without a runner reaching second base. After WT went down in order in the top of the seventh, Vortherms finished the job with a 1-2-3 inning to keep the season alive.

Game 2 Score: West Texas A&M 7, Regis 0
Pitching: (W) Heidi Vortherms (17-4); (L) Vanessa Candito (5-4)

The Lady Buffs struck first in their second elimination game of the day as Granger started the game with a four-pitch walk. On Boyer's groundout to first, Granger moved to second where she came in to score on a throwing error from the Regis shortstop. The Rangers looked to plate a run in the bottom of the second when a walk advanced to second on a wild pitch. Regis' Ariana Ybarra reached on an infield single and moved the runner to third. With two on and two out, Vortherms exited the inning with a fielder's choice to second base.

In the third, WT scored a crucial run to double its lead. A leadoff walk from Emily Liskai advanced to second on a groundout where a Rufus walk put another runner on base. A double steal from Rufus and Liskai allowed Boyer to lift a sacrifice fly into right field and score Rufus from third.

After being held to one hit through five innings, the Lady Buffs found the hits they were searching for. Murtha powered a 1-2 pitch to center for a leadoff double and put a runner on second for WT. A popout to short gave Regis an out, but Valforte doubled off the wall in center to bring in Murtha followed by a single to left from Heaven Moreno. After brining in Pendergraft as a pinch runner, pinch-hitter Braeland Booth laid down a safety squeeze to bring in Halie Stoneking from third and give the Lady Buffs a 4-0 lead.

Granger provided instant offense in the top of the seventh when the sophomore turned on a 3-1 pitch, blasting the ball over the batting cages in left. After a pair of outs, Regis went to the bullpen once again. A Murtha single with two strikes welcomed the new pitcher where Johnson connected with her sixth home run of the season to extend the lead to 7-0. In the bottom of the seventh, WT turned to freshman Ashley Mandell to secure the win. Mandell surrendered a one-out single but retired the next two hitters on five pitches to end the game.

[Buffan78]

West Texas A&M softball kept its season alive with a pair of wins at Schaeffer Park on Friday afternoon. With their backs against the wall, the Lady Buffs defeated No. 20 Angelo State 3-1 before defeating Regis 7-0 in the nightcap.

The pair of wins moves WT to 50-7 on the season and advances the Lady Buffs to Saturday's action. WT will face Oklahoma Christian at 2:30 p.m. If the Lady Buffs defeat the Eagles in game one, the two teams return to the field 30 minutes later for a winner-take-all game with a spot in the NCAA Super Regionals on the line.

Game 1 Score: West Texas A&M 3, Angelo State 1
Pitching: (W) Heidi Vortherms (16-4); (L) Cheyenne Floyd (20-10)

After both teams squandered chances in the first inning, Angelo State took the lead in the bottom of the second. The Rambelles started the inning with back-to-back infield singles before a single up the middle from Carter Smith plated a run. Angelo State loaded the bases on the next batter as Ashton Dirner dropped a single into left field, forcing WT starter Emilee Boyer out of the game. After the pitching change, Heidi Vortherms struck out the next batter to put the Lady Buffs in position to escape the inning. The junior right-hander ended the threat with a groundout to Gabriella Valforte at first.

In the third, WT placed a runner in scoring position after Megan Guericke started the inning with a walk. A sacrifice bunt moved pinch-runner Tatem Pendergraft to second. With the Lady Buffs a swing away from tying the game, Angelo State starter Cheyenne Floyd settled in, forcing a pop out from Lauren Granger. Needing a base hit to tie the game, Brittni Rufus lined a ball into the left-center gap, but Rambelles center fielder Laylonna Applin made a running catch on the warning track to save a run.

Floyd continued to deal in the circle, retiring 10 straight WT batters until Rufus singled with two outs in the sixth. Following a Boyer walk, Diana Murtha looped a bases-clearing triple down the right field line to give the Lady Buffs their first lead of the game. Following the triple, Madison Johnson singled down the left-field line to bring in Murtha and extend the lead.

Angelo State wouldn't go down without a fight as the Rambelles drew a leadoff walk in the sixth. Vortherms didn't let the traffic bother her as she ended the inning without a runner reaching second base. After WT went down in order in the top of the seventh, Vortherms finished the job with a 1-2-3 inning to keep the season alive.

Game 2 Score: West Texas A&M 7, Regis 0
Pitching: (W) Heidi Vortherms (17-4); (L) Vanessa Candito (5-4)

The Lady Buffs struck first in their second elimination game of the day as Granger started the game with a four-pitch walk. On Boyer's groundout to first, Granger moved to second where she came in to score on a throwing error from the Regis shortstop. The Rangers looked to plate a run in the bottom of the second when a walk advanced to second on a wild pitch. Regis' Ariana Ybarra reached on an infield single and moved the runner to third. With two on and two out, Vortherms exited the inning with a fielder's choice to second base.

In the third, WT scored a crucial run to double its lead. A leadoff walk from Emily Liskai advanced to second on a groundout where a Rufus walk put another runner on base. A double steal from Rufus and Liskai allowed Boyer to lift a sacrifice fly into right field and score Rufus from third.

After being held to one hit through five innings, the Lady Buffs found the hits they were searching for. Murtha powered a 1-2 pitch to center for a leadoff double and put a runner on second for WT. A popout to short gave Regis an out, but Valforte doubled off the wall in center to bring in Murtha followed by a single to left from Heaven Moreno. After brining in Pendergraft as a pinch runner, pinch-hitter Braeland Booth laid down a safety squeeze to bring in Halie Stoneking from third and give the Lady Buffs a 4-0 lead.

Granger provided instant offense in the top of the seventh when the sophomore turned on a 3-1 pitch, blasting the ball over the batting cages in left. After a pair of outs, Regis went to the bullpen once again. A Murtha single with two strikes welcomed the new pitcher where Johnson connected with her sixth home run of the season to extend the lead to 7-0. In the bottom of the seventh, WT turned to freshman Ashley Mandell to secure the win. Mandell surrendered a one-out single but retired the next two hitters on five pitches to end the game.

I am watching the game live online. Lady Buffs started out well today against OCC but now 4th inning just ended. Buffs were up 3 to 0 but I dont know what coach was thinking,, he should of pulled the pitcher she loaded the bases..throwing a lot of balls,, walked in a run,, finally pulled her and coach decided to walk a batter,, the next batter hit a double drove in more runs now 6 to 3. Short stop had a costly error that caused a run,, pitcher had an error throwing to 2nd trying for a double play when she should of thrown to first. IDK Buffs just look like they are not too motivated to win this one. OCC is really excited and motivated. Turning it off now maybe I jinked it by watching. Thinking this may be last good year for Softball not that McBroom is gone who knows what will happen.

[Buffan78]

The West Texas A&M softball team returned to the top of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top 25 Poll. This is the sixth time this season the Lady Buffs have topped the poll.

WT earned the top spot after receiving 12 first-place votes for a total of 396 points followed by Indianapolis with four first-place votes and 388 points. UT Tyler stayed at No. 3 with 364 points followed by Mississippi College (348) and Pittsburg State (342). Tampa (303), Wingate (296), North Georgia (287), Charleston (281) and Rogers State (265).

The South Central region boasts five teams in the top 25 with WT leading the way at No. 1. UT Tyler (3^rd), Colorado Christian (11^th), Angelo State (20^th), and Colorado Mesa (25^th) also received spots in the poll.

The Lady Buffs welcome No. 20 Angelo State, Oklahoma Christian, and Regis for the NCAA South Central Region I bracket at Schaeffer Park. Action starts on Thursday, May 9 with top-seeded WT taking on No. 8 seed Regis at 2:30 p.m.

Buffs tied it but then leave bases loaded in 5th inning. Ugh.. very tight game..

[WT_TKW]

Does a team that gives up 7 unearned runs deserve to win the game? Probably not. So WT's season is mercifully over.

Leading 3-0 in the 4th the sleepy Lady Buffs gave up 6 unearned runs with their sloppy defensive efforts. Yes Boyer had loaded the bases with no outs (but at least did get her only hit of the tournament today). Heidi came in and did okay but not good enough, throwing a wild pitch that led to another run, a homerun and too many hits.

In the top of the 7th, trailing 7-8, Guerike hit a home run in her final at bat to tie the game. After that, Mook had Ashley Mandell bat for some strange reason, only her 5th at bat for the season. So before you knew it the inning was over. OSU had no trouble ending this very disappointing inning to get the win. Yes, thanks to NCAA rules, WT was the visiting team, so OSU got to bat last.

Last year I stated that Boyer was overused and her performance degraded in the post season. Deja vu. She had started 5-6 games in a row, but was really bad yesterday and today, with a lot of pitches that rolled on the turf before getting to the batter. Heidi did great yesterday but was likely pretty sore after pitching 11.2 innings yesterday. Mandell did a decent job in relief but she took the loss.

I will miss some of the seniors, especially Murtha, Rufus, and Valforte. There will be a lot of holes to fill for next season, I hope we can find more players as good as those three!

[Buffalo/Islander Alum]

Thinking this may be last good year for Softball not that McBroom is gone who knows what will happen.

I think the decline started before that. WT women's basketball misses playoffs, WT men's baseball and basketball both lose 1st round of the conference tournament. The men's basketball team rebounded. Softball crashes and burns. We all know the football story.

Tough to see....

[oldbuff]

Lady Buffs blow it! McBroom’s fault for hiring wrong coach…. Oh sorry I thought this was football page.

[Buffan78]

Does a team that gives up 7 unearned runs deserve to win the game? Probably not. So WT's season is mercifully over.

Leading 3-0 in the 4th the sleepy Lady Buffs gave up 6 unearned runs with their sloppy defensive efforts. Yes Boyer had loaded the bases with no outs (but at least did get her only hit of the tournament today). Heidi came in and did okay but not good enough, throwing a wild pitch that led to another run, a homerun and too many hits.

In the top of the 7th, trailing 7-8, Guerike hit a home run in her final at bat to tie the game. After that, Mook had Ashley Mandell bat for some strange reason, only her 5th at bat for the season. So before you knew it the inning was over. OSU had no trouble ending this very disappointing inning to get the win. Yes, thanks to NCAA rules, WT was the visiting team, so OSU got to bat last.

Last year I stated that Boyer was overused and her performance degraded in the post season. Deja vu. She had started 5-6 games in a row, but was really bad yesterday and today, with a lot of pitches that rolled on the turf before getting to the batter. Heidi did great yesterday but was likely pretty sore after pitching 11.2 innings yesterday. Mandell did a decent job in relief but she took the loss.

I will miss some of the seniors, especially Murtha, Rufus, and Valforte. There will be a lot of holes to fill for next season, I hope we can find more players as good as those three!

I agree with you, Lady Buffs did look sleepy in the 4th. Pitcher throwing to 2nd trying to get a risky double play instead of throwing to 1st for the sure out. So no out on that play. Coach left pitcher in too long.. . then later on walked a batter to get to the next one and the next one got a hit scored two runs. I think getting sleepy and some bad coaching today. Agree about the last inning having Mandell bat. OCC was motivated today.. I hope they have a good showing next round. Anyway congrats on 50 wins just a shame to end it this way against a team they won two out of three earlier this year.

[Buffan78]

I think the decline started before that. WT women's basketball misses playoffs, WT men's baseball and basketball both lose 1st round of the conference tournament. The men's basketball team rebounded. Softball crashes and burns. We all know the football story.

Tough to see....

WT President probably loving this. We know he wasnt there today to support the Lady Buffs,, any other college President would of been.

[WT_TKW]

WT President probably loving this. We know he wasnt there today to support the Lady Buffs,, any other college President would have been.

Wendler was busy with commencement yesterday at the basketball arena. They had 3 sessions but wasn’t having commencement at the new high school stadium one of the ways they justified the cost?

You are right though he probably doesn’t care about sports.

Has anyone heard if they are interviewing AD candidates?