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UD SOFTBALL (2018) season review #UDSB

quick look

The University of Dallas softball team featured a youthful roster during the 2018 campaign. By the conclusion of the season only two players on a 16-man roster were above sophomore status, which were juniors Mel Savala and Tera Espinosa. Seven freshmen played over half the 40 contests. Alicia Enciso, Gabbie Underwood, and Caitlyn Stevenson started in all games. Maggie Watts was a freshman pitcher that led the staff in appearances, starts, and innings. Dallas did qualify for its sixth straight SCAC Tournament. The young roster gained plenty of experience, as the team battled in several close games throughout the year including holding leads for upset bids in the tournament. Overall UD went 2-14 in games decided by three runs or fewer.

big moments

  • Offense Explodes in Season Opener Versus Hendrix: Trailing 3-2 early, the Crusaders battled to remain close and used an eight-run sixth to secure a 12-6 triumph over Hendrix College in game one of a season-opening doubleheader in Irving. UD had been down 6-4 before the huge frame. Savala went 3-4, 2 RBI, 2 runs, and 2 stolen bases. Liz Cordova doubled in her first collegiate game as part of a 2-4. Dallas garnered 15 hits, with all nine starters tallying one. Full Story
  • Crusaders Sweep Austin in Twinbill; Win 4-Game Series: Dallas blanked the 'Roos in two games (12 innings) by a combined run total 17-0. In the first matchup, UD scored four runs in the second and three in the fourth to highlight the five-inning, run-rule. Underwood homered and drove in three runs, while Duenas went a perfect 3-3. In the latter win, UD leaped out by five runs through the first pair of innings, and then closed the series with a four-run seventh. Cordova went deep, and the top four batters in the order etched two RBI apiece. Full Story
  • Late Effort Pushes Dallas Above Pirates: In the third game of the overall conference series, the Crusaders nipped a 5-2 margin with six runs in the sixth inning to prevail. Despite being outhit 9-7, the home team benefited from eight walks. Three came from Enciso, who ripped her first collegiate homer. Underwood added a 2-3 with 2 RBI and a double. Watts hung in for a complete game win. Full Story
  • Crusaders Pounce on Trinity with 6-Run 2nd Inning: After playing a trio of games where neither side scored more than three runs, UD erupted for a six-spot in its second turn to bat. The team outhit the Tigers 11-10. Savala (2B) and Stevenson (3B) notched the extra-base hits for the Crusaders. Joining the duo for multiple hits was Underwood. Lauren Galvan earned the win with two earned runs allowed in seven innings. Full Story
  • Dallas Bounces Back to Split with McMurry in Non-Conference Game: After an eight-inning setback, the Crusaders cameback from a 6-3 deficit by posting eight unanswered runs. The Warhawks produced five runs in the third, but two and a half innings later, it was the home team that hung the largest number in a single-frame with seven. Eight players notched a hit, run scored, and RBI. Seven of the Crusaders came up with a base knock for extra bags. In that momentum-changing inning, the Crusaders strung together four consecutive triples. Full Story

quick hits

  • Enciso (.370), Cordova (.330), Underwood (.328), and Duenas (.303) formed a quartet of hitters that notched batting averages north of .300.
  • Enciso was the team leader in average, total hits (47), doubles (10), runs scored (23), total bases (62), and walks (17).
  • Underwood led the team in runs-batted-in with 26. Six players eclipsed double-digits for that category including the first baseman. Cordova (19), Duenas (16), Mackenzie Tano (15), Enciso (15), and Savala (14) were the other five.
  • The team blasted seven home runs, with three coming from Cordova for a team-high. The other long balls were by four individual Crusaders.
  • Tano and Savala each ripped four triples on the year for a team-high. The Crusaders combined for 15, which was the exact amount opponents knocked as well.
  • Duenas pounded three doubles on March 17th at Austin College to become the third player in the program to match a single-game record.
  • Dallas turned a new team-season record 21 double plays.
  • Emily Martin notched one save this season and it was her second in the sophomore's career. Both tied her with the most in the program.
  • Savala strung together a team-long, 12-game hitting streak from Mar. 17th - Apr. 7th. She collected 15 total base knocks.
  • Underwood (Hitter) and Watts (Pitcher) swept Conference of the Week accolades after the successful weekend at Austin College.
  • Watts threw all three of UD's shutouts.
  • Dallas drew 104 walks compared to allowing 59.

get the full picture

postseason accolades

2018 LETTERWINNERS

Melanie Savala***

Tera Espinosa**

Lauren Galvan**

Emily Martin**

Mackenzie Tano**

Liz Cordova*

Julie Dueñas*

Alicia Enciso*

Haley Golden*

Katelyn Lazarek*

Caitlyn Stevenson*

Gabby Underwood*

Maggie Watts*

TEAM MVP

Alicia Enciso

2018 SCAC All-SCAC Second Team: Alicia Enciso (SS)

2018 SCAC All-SCAC Honorable Mention: Julie Dueñas (UTL) | Gabbie Underwood (1B)

2018 SCAC All-Sportsmanship Team: Mel Savala

2018 USCAA National All-Academic Team: Katelyn Lazarek

2018 USCAA All-American Honorable Mention: Alicia Enciso (SS)

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS ATHLETICS! #GOUD

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