MSU Softball opens season with 7-5 win

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A two-out bases loaded single by catcher Rachael Jackson propelled the Midwestern State University softball team to a 7-5 season opening victory over Abilene Christian University Thursday afternoon in the St. Mary's Classic.

MSU (1-0) trailed 5-4 when Jackson's single drove in Stephanie Wardlaw and Allison Tidwell to take the lead. á That hit was followed by a Kelli Shaw single plating Kristen Stonecipher for an insurance run.

MSU pitcher Brittany Willson, in relief of starter Jenna Deweber, set ACU down in order in the seventh for the win.

Both squads scored four runs in the first inning before ACU (0-2) took the lead 5-4 in the fourth when pinch hitter Jessica Johnson's sacrifice fly scored pinch runner Haley Morris for the Wildcats.

Deweber went three-and-a third innings for MSU with five hits, no strikeouts and two walks. á Willson finished the game with three-and-two thirds innings, allowing one hit with five strikeouts and no walks.

ACU's Jennifer Leal took the loss, allowing seven MSU hits, with five strikeouts and four bases on balls.

MSU takes on Incarnate Word at 11:15 and St. Edward's at 3:45 tomorrow in the classic at the San Antonio ISD Triplex.

+++ MSU +++

Midwestern State 7, Abilene city Christian 5 (at San Antonio, Texas)

Midwestern State.... 400 000 3 - 7 7 3 (1-0)

Abilene Christian... 400 100 0 - 5 6 2 (0-2)

Pitchers: Midwestern State - J. Deweber; B. Willson(4). Abilene Christian - J. Leal.

Win-B. Willson(1-0)  Loss-J. Leal(0-1) T-2:02  A-50