SAN ANTONIO, TX- CCU closed their roadtrip and pre-conference slate on Saturday with a single game at St. Mary's. Led by a strong defense and great pitching, the Cougars earned a 1-0 shutout victory to end their trip on a high note. 

Leah Garcia started the game with a leadoff single, and Camryn Quilling followed with a single of her own. After an error allowed Kaila Eastburn to load the bases by reaching first, Dane Lopez put a ball in play and picked up an RBI groundout. 

The Rattlers struggled to get anything going against Emma Duncan as she twirled an absolute gem in the circle. After five innings of play, the hosts had managed to record just two hits. The offense for the Cougars threatened but could plate any more runs. A two out walk amounted to nothing for SMU in the sixth, and Duncan entered the seventh with a shutout going. A leadoff single closed the day for Duncan, and Hanna Espinoza was called upon to get the final two outs. 

An incredible final out saw Peyton Marvel field a ball from second base deep in the hole. The freshman had the incredible presence of mind to see the runner trying to advance from first all the way to third, and after a laserbeam throw to Kat Hanson at third, Hanson dove and applied the tag to end the game in thrilling fashion with a final score of 1-0. 

Duncan went a stellar six innings with 3 strikeouts and just 3 hits allowed. Lopez provided the only offense needed with her RBI groundout in the shutout victory. 

The Cougars will now begin RMAC play with a doubleheader on February 14 at New Mexico Highlands with game times set for 12 and 2 p.m. MST.