Colorado Christian took to the field in Tyler, TX on Thursday morning as they kicked off the NCAA Regional tournament with a game against the top seeded University of Texas at Tyler. UT Tyler showed why they were the South Central Regions top seed as they used a big first inning to take the lead and eventually hold on to defeat CCU by a final score of 8-0.
 
After the Cougars were retired in order to begin the game, UT Tyler came up to bat and were able to tally the opening runs of the game. After two earlier singles, the pitcher for the Patriots provided her own offense as Tatum Goff delivered a three-run homerun over the centerfield fence to put them up 3-0 early on. They went on to score one more run to take a 4-0 lead after one inning.
 
Colorado Christian tried to battle back in the second inning which got started off with a double off the bat of Sydney Reamer deep to left field. With one out, Kayla Middleton got an infield single to put two runners on base. However, they were unable to push any runs across to cut into the deficit. UT Tyler added two more runs to their lead in the bottom of the second inning and one more in the third inning to extend their lead to 7-0 after three innings of play.
 
The best scoring opportunity for CCU came in the fourth inning. Taylor Olsen and Sydney Reamer opened the inning drawing back-to-back walks which brought up Piper Lujan. Lujan delivered a sharp single through the right side of the infield, but it was hit so hard it forced Coach Hays to hold the runner at third but still gave the Cougars a bases loaded opportunity with no outs. The Patriots pitcher did her best Houdini impression and was able to tiptoe out of danger and not allow CCU to score any runs in the inning to keep the shutout intact.
 
After adding their eighth run in the bottom of the fourth inning, UT Tyler was once again able to prevent CCU from scoring to wrap up the 8-0 victory for them.
 
After the game Head coach Larry Hays spoke and said, "We had two highlights from the game today, our defense made some great plays and Abrie Castillo came into the game and pitched well in relief. We struggled at the plate a bit in the game, but give UT Tyler a lot of credit as they are a great team and very well coached." Hays went on to say, "This was the first time all year we have been beaten by a left handed pitcher, the reason for that being is it was the first one we have faced. That was a big adjustment for us."
 
Sydney Reamer, who collected one of the three hits for CCU on the day and also drew a walk spoke as she said, "She (Goff) was hands down the best pitcher we have faced all season, but trying to not make the moment bigger than it is helped me have success against her at the plate in this game."
 
Piper Lujan went on to say, "It is a blessing to be a part of this tournament and we know what type of team we are and we are looking forward to getting back on the field and having fun."
 
Coach Hays wrapped up the post-game press conference after being asked what his message would be to his team prior to the elimination game tomorrow by saying, "My message will be the same it has been all year, just have a blast, have fun! This has been a fun team, a good team. I have coached jillions of teams in my career and this is a good one."
 
CCU will be back in action tomorrow as they will take on either Lubbock Christian or Angelo State. Their opponent will be determined by the outcome in the second game of the regional later on today. The game is set to take place tomorrow at 2PM.