KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (May 13, 2024) - The (RV) St. Thomas University (STU) Softball team competed in their first game of the 2024 NAIA National Championship Opening Round on Monday afternoon. The Bobcats traveled to Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Ore. to face off against #19 Vanguard University. The Bobcats fell to the Lions in game one with a final score of 8-5.

The first two innings of the game were scoreless from both teams, but the Bobcats kept putting in the work. Gabriella Gilbert was the first baserunner of the game for either team, hitting her 15th double of the season in the top of the second inning. Gilbert was left on second as the Lions were able to close out the inning. The Bobcats kept that fire lit in the top of the third, with Alahnis Berrios up to bat, notching a single on a bunt. Jade Fayad advanced Berrios to second on a sacrifice bunt, and Mya Achenbach would put her in scoring position with her single. With runners on first and third, Kopicova his a double to left field, bringing Berrios home to put the first run on the board. Bianca Palacios then reached first base on an error by the third basemen, bringing Achenbach in to put the Bobcats up 2-0.

The Lions were quick to respond, putting up six runs in the bottom of the third. The Bobcats didn't give up the fight, with Gilbert hitting a solo home run in the top of the sixth. In the top of the seventh, Anna Toon kept the heat for the Bobcats, with a double to centerfield, bringing home Achenbach and Palacios. The late surge wasn't enough, and the Bobcats fell to the Lions 8-5. This loss brings the Bobcats' overall record to 38-11.

St. Thomas will enter the losers bracket, facing off against Florida National University on Tuesday, May 14th at 4:00 PM PST.