TYLER, TX- The Cougars began play at the South Central Regionals on Thursday with a matchup against RMAC rival Colorado Mesa. Freshman Elyse McMullin was incredible in the circle, twirling a complete game victory on just two hits allowed as CCU started the tournament strong with a 3-1 victory over the Mavericks.

Neither team managed to plate a run in the first inning, but Colorado Mesa drew first blood with a solo homer in the second. The offense immediately responded, beginning with an RBI single from Camryn Quilling. Kayla Middleton then provided the game breaking hit, smacking a two-run single to left field to give her team the 3-1 lead. 

A pitching duel ensued from there, as McMullin and relief pitcher Hannah Sattler traded shutdown innings. The Mavericks high powered offense wass off balance all day, as they managed just one more hit after the second inning homer as the RMAC Freshman of the Year McMullin showed she is skilled beyond her years. A 1,2, 3 final inning sealed the deal in a 3-1 victory to start regionals for CCU. 

McMullin was tremendous as she picked up her third win of the season, going the complete seven innings with a mere two hits allowed and three strikeouts to lead her team to victory. With the pitching gem, the offense needed only three runs of production, and they got it from Quilling and Middleton on singles. 

Up next for CCU is a matchup with host UT Tyler on Friday as the Patriots took down St. Mary's (TX) in the early game today. First pitch is set for 11 a.m. MST from Irwin Field on May 10.