RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Tarleton State Softball made history once again, this time punching their first ever ticket to the WAC Softball Tournament Championship game with a 4-0 shutout of Utah Valley Friday night.
In a win or go home game, Hannah Blincoe was fantastic once again going another seven scoreless innings making her the only pitcher from a program to do so not just once this tournament, but twice
The Texans jumped on the Wolverines early and rode a four-spot from the first two innings to win No. 36 on the season. In the bottom of the first, Kalyn Hill hit a sac fly to right allowing Austin Germain to score what ended being the winning run 1-0.
A three-spot in the bottom of the second was all insurance as the Purple and White went up by four as they continued to keep the Green and White off the board. Hayden Fox got the scoring going hitting a sac fly to deep right scoring Jaelynn Duke to make it 2-0. Bella Hernandez then advanced on a wild pitch as Casey Schultz dove headfirst into home to push the lead to 3-0. Germain drove in the fourth run for the Texans as she hit an RBI single to second scoring Hernandez to make it 4-0, the final.
For the Texans, Blincoe (W, 12-10) took the circle and never left going all seven innings and picking up her 12th win of the season. During her time in the circle, Blincoe allowed just three hits while she struck out eight and hit one.
For the Wolverines, Avery Sapp (L, 11-12) went just an inning as she gave up three runs (all earned) on four hits. Lily Riley then went the final five innings allowing a run (earned) on three hits while she walked a pair and sat down three. She was also credited with a while pitch.
The Texans have an uphill climb in the championship as the Purple and White must win Game 1 to force a winner takes all Game 2 as GCU has not lost a game in the double elimination tournament play. While the task is a tall order, Tarleton State is the only WAC team this season to hand No. 24 Grand Canyon conference losses this season and did it twice earlier this year in Phoenix. The 2-1 series win marked the first series loss for the Lopes at home since 2022 and was their first conference series loss home or away since 2023.
Due to extreme heat in the Riverside, California area, the WAC title game has been moved up two hours for a 1 p.m. CT first pitch. If the Texans can take Game 1, they will force the if necessary Game 2 making it a winner takes all matchup with the Lopes. Tarleton State is currently 2-1 in the tournament while No. 24 Grand Canyon is 2-0 awaiting their first loss in the double elimination portion of the bracket.
First pitch is set for 11 a.m. PT/1 p.m. CT and the game will air live on ESPN+ and live stats will be available as well. Kyle crews will have the home call on Tarletonsports.com/listenlive. Tickets are available for Texan Nation looking to support the Purple and White in Riverside.
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