COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Top-seeded Texas A&M fell to Liberty 7-6 on Sunday in the regional round of the NCAA Softball Tournament at Davis Diamond. The Aggies forced a winner-take-all game against the Lady Flames after falling behind 6-0 in Game 1.
"We were down early, but our team showed a lot of heart and determination," said an Aggie player. "We fought back and gave ourselves a chance."
The Aggies pulled out a 14-11 win over Liberty in eight innings, but their comeback was short-lived as they lost to the Lady Flames by one run later that evening. Liberty’s victory marked its first-ever Super Regional appearance, scoring six runs in both games against Texas A&M on Sunday and advancing with two thrilling come-from-behind wins.
"It marked the first time since seeding began that a No. 1-seeded team failed to advance past regional play," said an official statement from the tournament organizers.
The loss means no chance for these Aggie seniors to make what would be their final trip together to Oklahoma City next week for the Women’s College World Series.
Game Summaries
Game 1
- Liberty took advantage of three errors by Texas A&M to score six runs off starter Sydney McKinney (12-3).
- McKinney allowed five hits while striking out four batters over four innings before being replaced by Emily Bostock (2-4).
- Bostock gave up two more runs before being relieved by Megan Harvey (5-2), who shut down Liberty’s offense with three strikeouts over two innings pitched but allowed one run on three hits.
- Makayla Valencia (3-5) surrendered one hit while striking out two batters over one inning pitched.
Game 2
- Texas A&M trailed again after falling behind early against Liberty.
- The game remained tied until the final moments, with both teams having runners on base.
- A significant hit off pitcher Makayla Valencia resulted in her second home run of the night, allowing herself and teammate Emily Bostock to score.
With just under five minutes remaining until midnight local time at Davis Diamond Stadium, the atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and nervous energy as the outcome hung in the balance.
In a dramatic finish, the game left everyone stunned and speechless, marking a memorable chapter in the NCAA Softball Tournament.
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