Junior infielder Coby DeJesus (3) tosses the ball toredshirt sophomore first basemen Xavier Perez (37) in an NCAA baseball game on April 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. |Karolina Navarro/The Cougar

Houston baseball brought fireworks to Rice Tuesday night, torching the Owls 15-3 in a rivalry match that snapped a four-game losing streak.

Houston has scored over 10 runs in each of its three games against Rice this season, marking the first time the Cougars have reached double digits in every game of the Silver Glove Series.

Leading the charge was junior outfielder Jake Tatom, who crushed his first two-run homer to left in the seventh inning. He also plucked the Owls wings in the second, robbing junior catcher Aric Anderson of a deep hit to left to keep Houston’s 3-1 lead. Tatom finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a stolen base and three runs scored.

However, Tatom wasn’t the only Cougar on the prowl.

Redshirt sophomore outfielder Xavier Perez racked up three RBIs on two clutch singles. He was the heartbeat of Houston’s five-run third inning, which ripped the game out of reach from Rice.

Sophomore outfielder Tre Broussard got the Cougars’ assault started in the first with an RBI ground-rule double to bring senior infielder Aaron Lugo home. From there, Houston never let up.

Rice struggled massively with defense, committing four errors and giving the Cougars seven unearned runs. Houston didn’t hesitate to capitalize, turning every mistake into momentum.

The Cougars were unforgiving as they capitalized on the Owls’ defensive mistakes, adding seven unearned runs to their total.

Junior infielder Cade Climie chipped in with a two-RBI single in the third, while junior infielder Coby DeJesus added two more with a base hit in the seventh. The final dagger came in the ninth after a hit-by-pitch RBI for sophomore pinch-hitter Pip Smalley and another Rice error that allowed redshirt freshman catcher Cole Carbone to score.

On the mound, Houston’s pitching made sure the job was finished.

Sophomore pitcher Alex Solis set the tone with three strong innings, giving up no earned runs on five hits. After him, senior pitcher Harrison Boushele, sophomore pitcher Eric Van Valkenburg, freshman pitcher Chris Perez, junior pitcher Ryan Dollar, freshman pitcher Kendall Hoffman and junior pitcher Michael Benzor combined for six innings to keep the Owls at one earned run, striking out eight and scattering six hits.

Rice’s only spark came from a solo homer by senior outfielder Treyton Rank in the fifth. Beyond that, the game was all Cougars.

After three games, 38 runs and history made, the Silver Glove will stay put at Schroeder Park while Houston makes the short drive home.

Next up, the Cougars will travel to Stillwater, Okla. to face the Oklahoma State Cowpoke’s. The game is set to begin at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“The Silver Glove stays home: Houston baseball stuns Rice with historic Silver Glove sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Junior infielder Coby DeJesus (3) tosses the ball toredshirt sophomore first basemen Xavier Perez (37) in an NCAA baseball game on April 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. |Karolina Navarro/The Cougar

Houston baseball brought fireworks to Rice Tuesday night, torching the Owls 15-3 in a rivalry match that snapped a four-game losing streak.

Houston has scored over 10 runs in each of its three games against Rice this season, marking the first time the Cougars have reached double digits in every game of the Silver Glove Series.

Leading the charge was junior outfielder Jake Tatom, who crushed his first two-run homer to left in the seventh inning. He also plucked the Owls wings in the second, robbing junior catcher Aric Anderson of a deep hit to left to keep Houston’s 3-1 lead. Tatom finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a stolen base and three runs scored.

However, Tatom wasn’t the only Cougar on the prowl.

Redshirt sophomore outfielder Xavier Perez racked up three RBIs on two clutch singles. He was the heartbeat of Houston’s five-run third inning, which ripped the game out of reach from Rice.

Sophomore outfielder Tre Broussard got the Cougars’ assault started in the first with an RBI ground-rule double to bring senior infielder Aaron Lugo home. From there, Houston never let up.

Rice struggled massively with defense, committing four errors and giving the Cougars seven unearned runs. Houston didn’t hesitate to capitalize, turning every mistake into momentum.

The Cougars were unforgiving as they capitalized on the Owls’ defensive mistakes, adding seven unearned runs to their total.

Junior infielder Cade Climie chipped in with a two-RBI single in the third, while junior infielder Coby DeJesus added two more with a base hit in the seventh. The final dagger came in the ninth after a hit-by-pitch RBI for sophomore pinch-hitter Pip Smalley and another Rice error that allowed redshirt freshman catcher Cole Carbone to score.

On the mound, Houston’s pitching made sure the job was finished.

Sophomore pitcher Alex Solis set the tone with three strong innings, giving up no earned runs on five hits. After him, senior pitcher Harrison Boushele, sophomore pitcher Eric Van Valkenburg, freshman pitcher Chris Perez, junior pitcher Ryan Dollar, freshman pitcher Kendall Hoffman and junior pitcher Michael Benzor combined for six innings to keep the Owls at one earned run, striking out eight and scattering six hits.

Rice’s only spark came from a solo homer by senior outfielder Treyton Rank in the fifth. Beyond that, the game was all Cougars.

After three games, 38 runs and history made, the Silver Glove will stay put at Schroeder Park while Houston makes the short drive home.

Next up, the Cougars will travel to Stillwater, Okla. to face the Oklahoma State Cowpoke’s. The game is set to begin at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“The Silver Glove stays home: Houston baseball stuns Rice with historic Silver Glove sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Junior infielder Coby DeJesus (3) tosses the ball toredshirt sophomore first basemen Xavier Perez (37) in an NCAA baseball game on April 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. |Karolina Navarro/The Cougar

Houston baseball brought fireworks to Rice Tuesday night, torching the Owls 15-3 in a rivalry match that snapped a four-game losing streak.

Houston has scored over 10 runs in each of its three games against Rice this season, marking the first time the Cougars have reached double digits in every game of the Silver Glove Series.

Leading the charge was junior outfielder Jake Tatom, who crushed his first two-run homer to left in the seventh inning. He also plucked the Owls wings in the second, robbing junior catcher Aric Anderson of a deep hit to left to keep Houston’s 3-1 lead. Tatom finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a stolen base and three runs scored.

However, Tatom wasn’t the only Cougar on the prowl.

Redshirt sophomore outfielder Xavier Perez racked up three RBIs on two clutch singles. He was the heartbeat of Houston’s five-run third inning, which ripped the game out of reach from Rice.

Sophomore outfielder Tre Broussard got the Cougars’ assault started in the first with an RBI ground-rule double to bring senior infielder Aaron Lugo home. From there, Houston never let up.

Rice struggled massively with defense, committing four errors and giving the Cougars seven unearned runs. Houston didn’t hesitate to capitalize, turning every mistake into momentum.

The Cougars were unforgiving as they capitalized on the Owls’ defensive mistakes, adding seven unearned runs to their total.

Junior infielder Cade Climie chipped in with a two-RBI single in the third, while junior infielder Coby DeJesus added two more with a base hit in the seventh. The final dagger came in the ninth after a hit-by-pitch RBI for sophomore pinch-hitter Pip Smalley and another Rice error that allowed redshirt freshman catcher Cole Carbone to score.

On the mound, Houston’s pitching made sure the job was finished.

Sophomore pitcher Alex Solis set the tone with three strong innings, giving up no earned runs on five hits. After him, senior pitcher Harrison Boushele, sophomore pitcher Eric Van Valkenburg, freshman pitcher Chris Perez, junior pitcher Ryan Dollar, freshman pitcher Kendall Hoffman and junior pitcher Michael Benzor combined for six innings to keep the Owls at one earned run, striking out eight and scattering six hits.

Rice’s only spark came from a solo homer by senior outfielder Treyton Rank in the fifth. Beyond that, the game was all Cougars.

After three games, 38 runs and history made, the Silver Glove will stay put at Schroeder Park while Houston makes the short drive home.

Next up, the Cougars will travel to Stillwater, Okla. to face the Oklahoma State Cowpoke’s. The game is set to begin at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“The Silver Glove stays home: Houston baseball stuns Rice with historic Silver Glove sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Junior infielder Coby DeJesus (3) tosses the ball toredshirt sophomore first basemen Xavier Perez (37) in an NCAA baseball game on April 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. |Karolina Navarro/The Cougar

Houston baseball brought fireworks to Rice Tuesday night, torching the Owls 15-3 in a rivalry match that snapped a four-game losing streak.

Houston has scored over 10 runs in each of its three games against Rice this season, marking the first time the Cougars have reached double digits in every game of the Silver Glove Series.

Leading the charge was junior outfielder Jake Tatom, who crushed his first two-run homer to left in the seventh inning. He also plucked the Owls wings in the second, robbing junior catcher Aric Anderson of a deep hit to left to keep Houston’s 3-1 lead. Tatom finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a stolen base and three runs scored.

However, Tatom wasn’t the only Cougar on the prowl.

Redshirt sophomore outfielder Xavier Perez racked up three RBIs on two clutch singles. He was the heartbeat of Houston’s five-run third inning, which ripped the game out of reach from Rice.

Sophomore outfielder Tre Broussard got the Cougars’ assault started in the first with an RBI ground-rule double to bring senior infielder Aaron Lugo home. From there, Houston never let up.

Rice struggled massively with defense, committing four errors and giving the Cougars seven unearned runs. Houston didn’t hesitate to capitalize, turning every mistake into momentum.

The Cougars were unforgiving as they capitalized on the Owls’ defensive mistakes, adding seven unearned runs to their total.

Junior infielder Cade Climie chipped in with a two-RBI single in the third, while junior infielder Coby DeJesus added two more with a base hit in the seventh. The final dagger came in the ninth after a hit-by-pitch RBI for sophomore pinch-hitter Pip Smalley and another Rice error that allowed redshirt freshman catcher Cole Carbone to score.

On the mound, Houston’s pitching made sure the job was finished.

Sophomore pitcher Alex Solis set the tone with three strong innings, giving up no earned runs on five hits. After him, senior pitcher Harrison Boushele, sophomore pitcher Eric Van Valkenburg, freshman pitcher Chris Perez, junior pitcher Ryan Dollar, freshman pitcher Kendall Hoffman and junior pitcher Michael Benzor combined for six innings to keep the Owls at one earned run, striking out eight and scattering six hits.

Rice’s only spark came from a solo homer by senior outfielder Treyton Rank in the fifth. Beyond that, the game was all Cougars.

After three games, 38 runs and history made, the Silver Glove will stay put at Schroeder Park while Houston makes the short drive home.

Next up, the Cougars will travel to Stillwater, Okla. to face the Oklahoma State Cowpoke’s. The game is set to begin at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“The Silver Glove stays home: Houston baseball stuns Rice with historic Silver Glove sweep” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Brooke Wells (3) prepares to pick up the ball during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball could not grab a win in its weekend matchup against No. 14 Texas Tech, falling in all three games of the series at Rocky Johnson Field in Lubbock, Texas. Despite solid pitching and 13 hits, the Cougars returned to Houston without a win.

Cougars fall one run short of late comeback

After a five-hit performance on Friday night, the Cougars were unable to claw past the Red Raiders, falling 3-2.

With two outs in the seventh and Houston trailing by two, freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond stepped up and launched her first home run of the season. With a deep shot to left field, the Cougars cut the score to 3-2 and had a chance to tie the game. But the rally fell just short, with no one on base and one out remaining.

Junior infielder Mandy Esman kept the fight alive for Houston, going two-for-two with a double, an RBI and a stolen base. Her RBI double in the fourth put Houston on the board and the Red Raiders on alert.

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman struggled early, surrendering a two-run bomb to two-way sophomore NiJaree Canady in the second. Two-way freshman Brooke Wells and freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak held the line, combining for five innings of one-run ball to keep the Cougars within reach.

Even though Houston matched Texas Tech with five hits and committed no errors, seven strikeouts proved to be the Cougars’ downfall.

Houston strikes early, but Tech storms back

On Saturday, the Cougars came out hot but cooled off quickly, falling 6-2 as Texas Tech rode a mid-game surge and a late home run to take control.

After sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins drew a leadoff walk, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell unloaded a two-run homer to left, giving Houston a quick 2-0 lead in the first. Mitchell was far from done that night, adding another walk and reaching base in all three of her plate appearances.

Junior pitcher Nicole Bodeux started in the circle, but Texas Tech answered quickly, tying the game by the second and pulling ahead in the fourth with a clutch two-RBI single by redshirt sophomore infielder Lauren Allred. Sophomore pitcher Gigi Solis came in to steady things, but junior utility Alana Johnson’s two-run homer in the sixth was the nail in the coffin.

Freshman catcher Isabel Cintron moved into scoring position after a single and a wild pitch, but Houston couldn’t bring her home.

Houston had runners in scoring position in the third and fifth innings but struck out three times to end each of those threats. They were also caught stealing and left six runners on base, which proved costly against the ranked Red Raiders.

Houston shut out in series finale

On Sunday, the Cougars wrapped up their three-game series with a 3-0 loss as the offense couldn’t crack the Red Raiders’ strong pitching.

Despite recording four hits, Houston was unable to bring any runners home. The Cougars’ best chance came in the fourth when Wilkins and Cintron knocked back-to-back singles, but a fielder’s choice and a double play ended the threat. Mitchell reached base twice, including a seventh-inning single, but no Cougar advanced past third base all game.

Texas Tech took control in the second with an RBI double from junior catcher Victoria Valdez. They added two unearned runs in the third, capitalizing on a wild pitch, a passed ball and a costly error at shortstop.

Michalak allowed three runs, only one of them earned, through 2.2 innings, while freshman two-way pitcher Maddie Hartley pitched 3.1 scoreless innings in relief, giving Houston a chance to strike back. Still, the Cougars’ offense couldn’t close the gap.

With the sweep, Houston drops to 20-19 and 3-13 in conference play. The Cougars will take a break from competition next week before returning to the field on April 22, when they face Houston Christian at Husky Softball Field. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

sports@thedailycougar

—
“Houston softball swept in Lubbock weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Brooke Wells (3) prepares to pick up the ball during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball could not grab a win in its weekend matchup against No. 14 Texas Tech, falling in all three games of the series at Rocky Johnson Field in Lubbock, Texas. Despite solid pitching and 13 hits, the Cougars returned to Houston without a win.

Cougars fall one run short of late comeback

After a five-hit performance on Friday night, the Cougars were unable to claw past the Red Raiders, falling 3-2.

With two outs in the seventh and Houston trailing by two, freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond stepped up and launched her first home run of the season. With a deep shot to left field, the Cougars cut the score to 3-2 and had a chance to tie the game. But the rally fell just short, with no one on base and one out remaining.

Junior infielder Mandy Esman kept the fight alive for Houston, going two-for-two with a double, an RBI and a stolen base. Her RBI double in the fourth put Houston on the board and the Red Raiders on alert.

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman struggled early, surrendering a two-run bomb to two-way sophomore NiJaree Canady in the second. Two-way freshman Brooke Wells and freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak held the line, combining for five innings of one-run ball to keep the Cougars within reach.

Even though Houston matched Texas Tech with five hits and committed no errors, seven strikeouts proved to be the Cougars’ downfall.

Houston strikes early, but Tech storms back

On Saturday, the Cougars came out hot but cooled off quickly, falling 6-2 as Texas Tech rode a mid-game surge and a late home run to take control.

After sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins drew a leadoff walk, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell unloaded a two-run homer to left, giving Houston a quick 2-0 lead in the first. Mitchell was far from done that night, adding another walk and reaching base in all three of her plate appearances.

Junior pitcher Nicole Bodeux started in the circle, but Texas Tech answered quickly, tying the game by the second and pulling ahead in the fourth with a clutch two-RBI single by redshirt sophomore infielder Lauren Allred. Sophomore pitcher Gigi Solis came in to steady things, but junior utility Alana Johnson’s two-run homer in the sixth was the nail in the coffin.

Freshman catcher Isabel Cintron moved into scoring position after a single and a wild pitch, but Houston couldn’t bring her home.

Houston had runners in scoring position in the third and fifth innings but struck out three times to end each of those threats. They were also caught stealing and left six runners on base, which proved costly against the ranked Red Raiders.

Houston shut out in series finale

On Sunday, the Cougars wrapped up their three-game series with a 3-0 loss as the offense couldn’t crack the Red Raiders’ strong pitching.

Despite recording four hits, Houston was unable to bring any runners home. The Cougars’ best chance came in the fourth when Wilkins and Cintron knocked back-to-back singles, but a fielder’s choice and a double play ended the threat. Mitchell reached base twice, including a seventh-inning single, but no Cougar advanced past third base all game.

Texas Tech took control in the second with an RBI double from junior catcher Victoria Valdez. They added two unearned runs in the third, capitalizing on a wild pitch, a passed ball and a costly error at shortstop.

Michalak allowed three runs, only one of them earned, through 2.2 innings, while freshman two-way pitcher Maddie Hartley pitched 3.1 scoreless innings in relief, giving Houston a chance to strike back. Still, the Cougars’ offense couldn’t close the gap.

With the sweep, Houston drops to 20-19 and 3-13 in conference play. The Cougars will take a break from competition next week before returning to the field on April 22, when they face Houston Christian at Husky Softball Field. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

sports@thedailycougar

—
“Houston softball swept in Lubbock weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Brooke Wells (3) prepares to pick up the ball during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball could not grab a win in its weekend matchup against No. 14 Texas Tech, falling in all three games of the series at Rocky Johnson Field in Lubbock, Texas. Despite solid pitching and 13 hits, the Cougars returned to Houston without a win.

Cougars fall one run short of late comeback

After a five-hit performance on Friday night, the Cougars were unable to claw past the Red Raiders, falling 3-2.

With two outs in the seventh and Houston trailing by two, freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond stepped up and launched her first home run of the season. With a deep shot to left field, the Cougars cut the score to 3-2 and had a chance to tie the game. But the rally fell just short, with no one on base and one out remaining.

Junior infielder Mandy Esman kept the fight alive for Houston, going two-for-two with a double, an RBI and a stolen base. Her RBI double in the fourth put Houston on the board and the Red Raiders on alert.

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman struggled early, surrendering a two-run bomb to two-way sophomore NiJaree Canady in the second. Two-way freshman Brooke Wells and freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak held the line, combining for five innings of one-run ball to keep the Cougars within reach.

Even though Houston matched Texas Tech with five hits and committed no errors, seven strikeouts proved to be the Cougars’ downfall.

Houston strikes early, but Tech storms back

On Saturday, the Cougars came out hot but cooled off quickly, falling 6-2 as Texas Tech rode a mid-game surge and a late home run to take control.

After sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins drew a leadoff walk, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell unloaded a two-run homer to left, giving Houston a quick 2-0 lead in the first. Mitchell was far from done that night, adding another walk and reaching base in all three of her plate appearances.

Junior pitcher Nicole Bodeux started in the circle, but Texas Tech answered quickly, tying the game by the second and pulling ahead in the fourth with a clutch two-RBI single by redshirt sophomore infielder Lauren Allred. Sophomore pitcher Gigi Solis came in to steady things, but junior utility Alana Johnson’s two-run homer in the sixth was the nail in the coffin.

Freshman catcher Isabel Cintron moved into scoring position after a single and a wild pitch, but Houston couldn’t bring her home.

Houston had runners in scoring position in the third and fifth innings but struck out three times to end each of those threats. They were also caught stealing and left six runners on base, which proved costly against the ranked Red Raiders.

Houston shut out in series finale

On Sunday, the Cougars wrapped up their three-game series with a 3-0 loss as the offense couldn’t crack the Red Raiders’ strong pitching.

Despite recording four hits, Houston was unable to bring any runners home. The Cougars’ best chance came in the fourth when Wilkins and Cintron knocked back-to-back singles, but a fielder’s choice and a double play ended the threat. Mitchell reached base twice, including a seventh-inning single, but no Cougar advanced past third base all game.

Texas Tech took control in the second with an RBI double from junior catcher Victoria Valdez. They added two unearned runs in the third, capitalizing on a wild pitch, a passed ball and a costly error at shortstop.

Michalak allowed three runs, only one of them earned, through 2.2 innings, while freshman two-way pitcher Maddie Hartley pitched 3.1 scoreless innings in relief, giving Houston a chance to strike back. Still, the Cougars’ offense couldn’t close the gap.

With the sweep, Houston drops to 20-19 and 3-13 in conference play. The Cougars will take a break from competition next week before returning to the field on April 22, when they face Houston Christian at Husky Softball Field. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

sports@thedailycougar

—
“Houston softball swept in Lubbock weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Brooke Wells (3) prepares to pick up the ball during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball could not grab a win in its weekend matchup against No. 14 Texas Tech, falling in all three games of the series at Rocky Johnson Field in Lubbock, Texas. Despite solid pitching and 13 hits, the Cougars returned to Houston without a win.

Cougars fall one run short of late comeback

After a five-hit performance on Friday night, the Cougars were unable to claw past the Red Raiders, falling 3-2.

With two outs in the seventh and Houston trailing by two, freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond stepped up and launched her first home run of the season. With a deep shot to left field, the Cougars cut the score to 3-2 and had a chance to tie the game. But the rally fell just short, with no one on base and one out remaining.

Junior infielder Mandy Esman kept the fight alive for Houston, going two-for-two with a double, an RBI and a stolen base. Her RBI double in the fourth put Houston on the board and the Red Raiders on alert.

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman struggled early, surrendering a two-run bomb to two-way sophomore NiJaree Canady in the second. Two-way freshman Brooke Wells and freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak held the line, combining for five innings of one-run ball to keep the Cougars within reach.

Even though Houston matched Texas Tech with five hits and committed no errors, seven strikeouts proved to be the Cougars’ downfall.

Houston strikes early, but Tech storms back

On Saturday, the Cougars came out hot but cooled off quickly, falling 6-2 as Texas Tech rode a mid-game surge and a late home run to take control.

After sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins drew a leadoff walk, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell unloaded a two-run homer to left, giving Houston a quick 2-0 lead in the first. Mitchell was far from done that night, adding another walk and reaching base in all three of her plate appearances.

Junior pitcher Nicole Bodeux started in the circle, but Texas Tech answered quickly, tying the game by the second and pulling ahead in the fourth with a clutch two-RBI single by redshirt sophomore infielder Lauren Allred. Sophomore pitcher Gigi Solis came in to steady things, but junior utility Alana Johnson’s two-run homer in the sixth was the nail in the coffin.

Freshman catcher Isabel Cintron moved into scoring position after a single and a wild pitch, but Houston couldn’t bring her home.

Houston had runners in scoring position in the third and fifth innings but struck out three times to end each of those threats. They were also caught stealing and left six runners on base, which proved costly against the ranked Red Raiders.

Houston shut out in series finale

On Sunday, the Cougars wrapped up their three-game series with a 3-0 loss as the offense couldn’t crack the Red Raiders’ strong pitching.

Despite recording four hits, Houston was unable to bring any runners home. The Cougars’ best chance came in the fourth when Wilkins and Cintron knocked back-to-back singles, but a fielder’s choice and a double play ended the threat. Mitchell reached base twice, including a seventh-inning single, but no Cougar advanced past third base all game.

Texas Tech took control in the second with an RBI double from junior catcher Victoria Valdez. They added two unearned runs in the third, capitalizing on a wild pitch, a passed ball and a costly error at shortstop.

Michalak allowed three runs, only one of them earned, through 2.2 innings, while freshman two-way pitcher Maddie Hartley pitched 3.1 scoreless innings in relief, giving Houston a chance to strike back. Still, the Cougars’ offense couldn’t close the gap.

With the sweep, Houston drops to 20-19 and 3-13 in conference play. The Cougars will take a break from competition next week before returning to the field on April 22, when they face Houston Christian at Husky Softball Field. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

sports@thedailycougar

—
“Houston softball swept in Lubbock weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Brooke Wells (3) prepares to pick up the ball during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball could not grab a win in its weekend matchup against No. 14 Texas Tech, falling in all three games of the series at Rocky Johnson Field in Lubbock, Texas. Despite solid pitching and 13 hits, the Cougars returned to Houston without a win.

Cougars fall one run short of late comeback

After a five-hit performance on Friday night, the Cougars were unable to claw past the Red Raiders, falling 3-2.

With two outs in the seventh and Houston trailing by two, freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond stepped up and launched her first home run of the season. With a deep shot to left field, the Cougars cut the score to 3-2 and had a chance to tie the game. But the rally fell just short, with no one on base and one out remaining.

Junior infielder Mandy Esman kept the fight alive for Houston, going two-for-two with a double, an RBI and a stolen base. Her RBI double in the fourth put Houston on the board and the Red Raiders on alert.

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman struggled early, surrendering a two-run bomb to two-way sophomore NiJaree Canady in the second. Two-way freshman Brooke Wells and freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak held the line, combining for five innings of one-run ball to keep the Cougars within reach.

Even though Houston matched Texas Tech with five hits and committed no errors, seven strikeouts proved to be the Cougars’ downfall.

Houston strikes early, but Tech storms back

On Saturday, the Cougars came out hot but cooled off quickly, falling 6-2 as Texas Tech rode a mid-game surge and a late home run to take control.

After sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins drew a leadoff walk, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell unloaded a two-run homer to left, giving Houston a quick 2-0 lead in the first. Mitchell was far from done that night, adding another walk and reaching base in all three of her plate appearances.

Junior pitcher Nicole Bodeux started in the circle, but Texas Tech answered quickly, tying the game by the second and pulling ahead in the fourth with a clutch two-RBI single by redshirt sophomore infielder Lauren Allred. Sophomore pitcher Gigi Solis came in to steady things, but junior utility Alana Johnson’s two-run homer in the sixth was the nail in the coffin.

Freshman catcher Isabel Cintron moved into scoring position after a single and a wild pitch, but Houston couldn’t bring her home.

Houston had runners in scoring position in the third and fifth innings but struck out three times to end each of those threats. They were also caught stealing and left six runners on base, which proved costly against the ranked Red Raiders.

Houston shut out in series finale

On Sunday, the Cougars wrapped up their three-game series with a 3-0 loss as the offense couldn’t crack the Red Raiders’ strong pitching.

Despite recording four hits, Houston was unable to bring any runners home. The Cougars’ best chance came in the fourth when Wilkins and Cintron knocked back-to-back singles, but a fielder’s choice and a double play ended the threat. Mitchell reached base twice, including a seventh-inning single, but no Cougar advanced past third base all game.

Texas Tech took control in the second with an RBI double from junior catcher Victoria Valdez. They added two unearned runs in the third, capitalizing on a wild pitch, a passed ball and a costly error at shortstop.

Michalak allowed three runs, only one of them earned, through 2.2 innings, while freshman two-way pitcher Maddie Hartley pitched 3.1 scoreless innings in relief, giving Houston a chance to strike back. Still, the Cougars’ offense couldn’t close the gap.

With the sweep, Houston drops to 20-19 and 3-13 in conference play. The Cougars will take a break from competition next week before returning to the field on April 22, when they face Houston Christian at Husky Softball Field. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

sports@thedailycougar

—
“Houston softball swept in Lubbock weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston pitcher Brooke Wells (3) prepares to pick up the ball during an NCAA softball game, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston softball could not grab a win in its weekend matchup against No. 14 Texas Tech, falling in all three games of the series at Rocky Johnson Field in Lubbock, Texas. Despite solid pitching and 13 hits, the Cougars returned to Houston without a win.

Cougars fall one run short of late comeback

After a five-hit performance on Friday night, the Cougars were unable to claw past the Red Raiders, falling 3-2.

With two outs in the seventh and Houston trailing by two, freshman outfielder Ariel Redmond stepped up and launched her first home run of the season. With a deep shot to left field, the Cougars cut the score to 3-2 and had a chance to tie the game. But the rally fell just short, with no one on base and one out remaining.

Junior infielder Mandy Esman kept the fight alive for Houston, going two-for-two with a double, an RBI and a stolen base. Her RBI double in the fourth put Houston on the board and the Red Raiders on alert.

Redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman struggled early, surrendering a two-run bomb to two-way sophomore NiJaree Canady in the second. Two-way freshman Brooke Wells and freshman pitcher Rylee Michalak held the line, combining for five innings of one-run ball to keep the Cougars within reach.

Even though Houston matched Texas Tech with five hits and committed no errors, seven strikeouts proved to be the Cougars’ downfall.

Houston strikes early, but Tech storms back

On Saturday, the Cougars came out hot but cooled off quickly, falling 6-2 as Texas Tech rode a mid-game surge and a late home run to take control.

After sophomore outfielder Jordee Wilkins drew a leadoff walk, sophomore infielder Makenna Mitchell unloaded a two-run homer to left, giving Houston a quick 2-0 lead in the first. Mitchell was far from done that night, adding another walk and reaching base in all three of her plate appearances.

Junior pitcher Nicole Bodeux started in the circle, but Texas Tech answered quickly, tying the game by the second and pulling ahead in the fourth with a clutch two-RBI single by redshirt sophomore infielder Lauren Allred. Sophomore pitcher Gigi Solis came in to steady things, but junior utility Alana Johnson’s two-run homer in the sixth was the nail in the coffin.

Freshman catcher Isabel Cintron moved into scoring position after a single and a wild pitch, but Houston couldn’t bring her home.

Houston had runners in scoring position in the third and fifth innings but struck out three times to end each of those threats. They were also caught stealing and left six runners on base, which proved costly against the ranked Red Raiders.

Houston shut out in series finale

On Sunday, the Cougars wrapped up their three-game series with a 3-0 loss as the offense couldn’t crack the Red Raiders’ strong pitching.

Despite recording four hits, Houston was unable to bring any runners home. The Cougars’ best chance came in the fourth when Wilkins and Cintron knocked back-to-back singles, but a fielder’s choice and a double play ended the threat. Mitchell reached base twice, including a seventh-inning single, but no Cougar advanced past third base all game.

Texas Tech took control in the second with an RBI double from junior catcher Victoria Valdez. They added two unearned runs in the third, capitalizing on a wild pitch, a passed ball and a costly error at shortstop.

Michalak allowed three runs, only one of them earned, through 2.2 innings, while freshman two-way pitcher Maddie Hartley pitched 3.1 scoreless innings in relief, giving Houston a chance to strike back. Still, the Cougars’ offense couldn’t close the gap.

With the sweep, Houston drops to 20-19 and 3-13 in conference play. The Cougars will take a break from competition next week before returning to the field on April 22, when they face Houston Christian at Husky Softball Field. The first pitch is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

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“Houston softball swept in Lubbock weekend series” was originally posted on The Cougar