Despite the strain of playing five games in three days, the A&M softball team continued to roll Sunday.
The No. 23 Texas A&M softball team (7-3) completed the Aggie Classic with a 4-1 record after a 2-1 victory Sunday over Missouri State.
Sunday’s game followed doubleheaders on consecutive days for the Aggies, whose only loss came Saturday night in an extra-innings thriller against Penn State.
Sophomore April Ryan and freshman Tori Vidales continued their scorching play with Vidales hitting a double in the first inning to bring in Ryan. A deep shot to centerfield by junior Breanna Dozier brought in the final run for the Aggies.
Senior Rachel Fox continued her dominance on the mound with allowing one run and striking out seven in a complete-game effort.
Head coach Jo Evans said Fox displayed her dominance throughout the entire tournament.
“[Fox] threw a gem against Eastern Michigan,” Evans said. “It was really a work of art. She threw 58 pitches in six innings, not once throwing more than 12 pitches in an inning. That’s the goal as a as a pitcher. I thought she was absolutely terrific out there and gave herself a chance to be fresh and ready to go in the second game. She set the tone for us and our kids scored some games, played good defense behind her but, to me, she was the star of the show.”
This tournament has showcased the type of young talent Evans has in her arsenal, with freshmen Vidales, Ashley Walters and Erica Russell making significant contributions to the club.
Evans said before the tournament that contributions from younger Aggies will make or break the team.
“If our youngsters don’t figure out the speed of the game early, it could mean the difference between going to the post-season and not going to the post-season,” Evans said.
The Aggies stay at home for a 4:30 p.m. Wednesday meeting with No. 2 Oregon.