SAN ANTONIO – Trailing 11-6 entering the bottom of the sixth inning, the No. 8 Angelo State softball team scored nine runs, highlighted by a pair of three-run home runs by Brittany Astle and DeeshanaLynn Tafiti, to edge Abilene Christian, 15-11, in the final game of the St. Mary's Tournament in San Antonio Monday.

After two innings, Angelo State (5-0) fell behind, 8-0, to Abilene Christian. The Wildcats (1-2) were able to plate seven runs on nine hits in the top of the second, but could not hold off the nationally-ranked Rambelles.

“Abilene did its job getting hits and scoring runs early,” said head coach Travis Scott. “They were finding holes and you just have to give them credit.”

With their backs against the ropes, the Rambelles began to jab their way back into the contest. ASU started its five-run third inning with a double by Chelsey Walters followed by Kaycee Taylor's two-run blast to right field making it an 8-2 game. The 'Belles would go on to plate three more runs - all of which were unearned.

ACU countered when Lyndi Smith doubled through the left side to score two. The Wildcats would go on to plate three runs on three hits to take an 11-5 lead midway through the fourth.

After manufacturing a run in the fifth, the 'Belles entered the bottom of the sixth inning trailing 11-6; they would leave leading 15-11. Kacie Easley ripped a lead-off double down the right-field line to start the inning, followed by a Tafiti single. The bases were then cleared when Astle hit a towering blast over the right center-field fence.

“It was traditional Angelo State mentality,” said Scott. “Over the years, we never quit and just keep battling. The kids understand they have to get us out 21 times and will not stop until that 21st out is recorded.”

Morgan Spearman kept the inning rolling with a single and then a Walters' walk. The second three-run blast came when Tafiti stepped into the batter's box for the second time in the sixth. The Kalaheo, Hawaii product launched her third home run of the season over the center-field wall to drive in three.

Mary Kate McKay picked up her second-consecutive win after tossing 5.2 innings for ASU. Seven 'Belles recorded multiple hits, while Astle, Tafiti and Taylor all recorded three RBIs.

The Rambelles will return to the field Feb. 12, at 1 p.m., to take on Texas-Permian Basin to kick off the ASU Blue and Gold Classic in the ASU Softball Complex.

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