Sophomore Dalilah Barrera (4-0) struck out all 21 outs in the Leopards 3-1 game one win over Northeast Texas Community College. The Leopards struck early and scored three runs in the bottom of the first after Lenzi Stewart and Kaitlyn Jones singled, then Lindsey Taylor picked up a two-RBI single, and Kelsie Murie doubled scoring Taylor. The Eagles scored their only run after back-to-back walks issued by Barrera was followed by a single up the middle off the bat of Shelby Baker. Other than the single by Baker, Barrera did not allow another Eagle batter to put the ball in play and finished with 21 strikeouts and four walks. Taylor and Murie each had a couple hits in game one.
It took eight innings, but the Leopards won game two 5-4 in walk-off fashion. Maddie Weatherly launched the first pitch of the bottom of the eight over the left field fence for the Leopards dramatic finish. Weatherly finished game two 4 for 4 with two RBI. Mikaela Sako (3-1) earned the win throwing the final 4 2/3 innings, allowed no hits, in relief of Leopard starter Karina Sanchez. Stewart and Murie also pounded out a couple hits each in game two.
The Leopards are now 11-2 on the season and will start conference play later this week on Saturday March 3 at North Central Texas College. Game one of the doubleheader will start at noon.