KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (May 15, 2024) - The (RV) St. Thomas University (STU) Softball team concluded their season on Wednesday night after a successful 40-12 run. The Bobcats defeated the (RV) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.) Eagles to advance in the tournament, falling to the host team #5 Oregon Tech. 

Game One: St. Thomas 1, Embry-Riddle 0
The Bobcats took on the Eagles of Embry-Riddle on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. PST. Anna Toon was the first base runner for the Bobcats, getting walked in the bottom of the second inning. The Bobcats had crucial plays on defense, including Emma Encarnacion who had a diving catch on a popped up bunt, earning the second out in the top of the third. In the same inning, Toon threw to Alahnis Berrios to catch the Eagles' base runner stealing. The game remained scoreless for majority of the game, but the Bobcats managed to get on board. Destiny Falquez reached first on a walk, and stole second in the bottom of the fifth. Yarializ Maldonado took to second as a pinch runner for Falquez, scoring the winning run on Jade Fayad's single to left center. The Bobcats held the Eagles to no runs scored, earning the 1-0 win. Toon secured her 26th win of the season, with four strikeouts and seven innings pitched.

Game Two: St. Thomas 5, Oregon Tech 7
The Bobcats took an early lead against the Owls of Oregon Tech, with a big hit from Toon to kick off the top of the first inning. Toon hit a three-run home run over the center field fence to bring home Natalie Kopicova and Mya Achenbach. The Owls were quick to respond, stealing home in the bottom of the first to make the score 3-1. The Bobcats came back again in the top of the second, with Kaitlynn Martinez kicking off the inning with a hit. Martinez doubled to left field, and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt from Fayad. Berrios earned herself a hit and an RBI with a bunt, singling to first and bringing home Martinez to put the score at 4-1. Once again, the owls responded in the bottom half of the inning, scoring on a base hit and a walk to narrow the gap, making the score 4-3.

The Bobcats maintained their lead, adding yet another run in the top of the fourth inning. Martinez earned another hit, doubling once again to left field. Berrios singled to left field, bringing Martinez home to put the score at 5-3. The Owls kept fighting back, hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth to make the score 5-4. Oregon Tech went on to add three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, taking the lead against the Bobcats. Despite their continuous efforts, the Bobcats were unable to regain the lead, falling to the Owls 7-5.

This concludes the Bobcats 2024 season. St. Thomas had a historic year, finishing with an overall record of 40-12 and notching a Sun Conference Championship.