No. 1 Texas A&M became the first top-seeded team to fall short of reaching the Super Regionals, suffering a surprising defeat to Liberty on Sunday.
The Aggies managed to force a decisive Game 7 earlier in the day but faltered in the rematch, surrendering five runs in the sixth inning that ultimately sealed their fate.
Freshman pitcher Sydney Lessentine started the game strong, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing just one run while striking out six. She was pulled after giving up a solo homer, even though the Aggies still led 3-1 at the time.
Senior ace Emiley Kennedy, who had struggled in Friday’s matchup against Liberty that pushed A&M into the elimination bracket, came in as relief. But her troubles continued, as she gave up a two-run homer in the sixth that tied the game.
Coach Ford turned to junior Grace Sparks, who lasted just three pitches — the last of which was hit for a three-run home run by Liberty senior Rachel Roupe. The Flames took a 6-3 lead into the bottom of the sixth, leaving the Aggies with just six outs to try to keep their season alive.
Senior Allie Enright gave Texas A&M hope with a deep solo homer to center field, and the Aggies added another run thanks to back-to-back hits by senior Kramer Eschete and freshman Kelsey Mathis, followed by a clutch two-out RBI single from veteran Koko Wooley.
Senior pitcher Emily Leavitt entered in the seventh and efficiently retired the side in order, giving the Aggies’ offense one final chance. Despite putting runners on base with a single and a walk, they were unable to bring anyone home, ending their season with a heartbreaking loss.
With the victory, Liberty advances to the Super Regionals for the first time in program history, while Texas A&M exits the tournament with an unfortunate record — becoming the first No. 1 overall seed to be eliminated in the Regional round.
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