The Taylor Lady Ducks varsity softball team fell 5-4 to the Rockdale Tigers in four innings on Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Taylor Tournament. Despite holding an early 4-1 lead, the Lady Ducks could not hold off the Tigers, who scored four unanswered runs in the top of the third to secure the win.
Rockdale took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, scoring on an error. Taylor responded with a big inning, plating four runs to take a 4-1 lead. Freshman Dainellie Frausto, freshman Mia Bendure, junior Katelyn Oglesby, and sophomore Enicia Quintanilla each drove in a run during the frame. However, the Lady Ducks’ offense stalled after that.
Rockdale capitalized on Taylor’s defensive miscues in the third, sparking a rally. The Tigers cut the deficit to 4-3 with a bases-clearing single, then added two more runs on an RBI single and a sacrifice fly to take a 5-4 lead. Taylor had opportunities to tie the game with runners in scoring position but was unable to convert, dropping to 3-4 overall.
Junior pitcher Alayna Ortiz took the loss, allowing five runs on four hits over two innings. Freshman Payton Burrow came on in relief.
The Lady Ducks will continue tournament play over the weekend before opening district competition on the road against Marble Falls on Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m.
