OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Texas Wesleyan Softball team went 1-2 at the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament, falling to SAGU and OCU, but winning against Central Christian College (Kan.) this week.

The two top-seeds of the tournament, OCU and USAO, both emerge from pool play to face each other in the title game on May 8. The Lady Rams are eliminated from the tournament and finish their season 17-22 overall and 15-17 in the league. They graduate five seniors who made excellent contributions to the team in Cailee Hendrick, Saeya Esparza, Ashton Davis, Rebecca Finley and Brianna Gibbons. They have helped the Lady Rams win over 80 games the past four seasons.

On Thursday, The Lady Rams opened the tourney with SAGU, falling 5-0 to the Lions. TXWES struggled with errors in the first game, committing 5 to the Lions' 1. SAGU also limited TXWES to two hits, one from Saeya Esparza and the other a triple from Brynna Foster.
 
Foster started the game in the circle and was charged with the loss after allowing 5 hits and 5 runs— only 2 of which were earned. Madison Ortiz appeared in the fourth inning and closed out the game, allowing just one hit with no runs or walks.
 
OCU showed why they are No. 2 in the nation and the first-seed of the tournament as they run-ruled TXWES 8-0 in five innings in Thursday's nightcap. Their pitcher, Christie Betker, threw a no-hitter and had only one walk with six strikeouts.
 
On Friday, the Lady Rams would rally from a late three-run deficit against eighth-seeded Central Christian on a walk-off RBI single to right-center off the bat of Ashton Davis to secure the 5-4 victory.

Trailing 4-1 after four innings, the Lady Rams scored four runs over the final three innings. Brianna Gibbons got the win in relief, giving up just one earned run on four hits, one walk and struck out four.

Third baseman Cailee Hendrick led the bats by swatting 1-for-3 with two RBIs while Brynna Foster went 2-for-3 with one RBI.

The Lady Rams showed grit and determination this season with a small roster of 12 active players. They were able to play 39 games after their 2020 season was cut short due to COVID-19. Proud of her squad for their perseverance in the face of adversity, Head Coach Shannon Gower shared these words with her players on Instagram.

"I will say these last two years has been some of the hardest as a coach, this year especially. At the end of the day it isn't about the wins and losses that make us who we are. It's the process, it's the journey, it's the lessons. I'm blessed with an amazing group. Some girls have learned new positions to help us fill our roster. Our team this year has stepped up and they have grown as individuals.

"To my 5 seniors, I have been blessed by you more than you will ever know. You all will always hold a piece in our program and most importantly our lives. My prayer and wish for you today is to be where your feet are. Appreciate the moments, and thank God, your family, your teammates, and the game for everything it has given and taught you! Many blessings to you as you embark on your new journeys in life! Love you ladies!"