Lady Buffs finish strong at Chattanooga Invitational with five wins in six games

The No. 8 West Texas A&M Lady Buffs softball team wrapped up the Chattanooga Invitational with a 5-1 run through a challenging weekend, showcasing resilience and depth despite falling short in two early games. The tournament provided valuable experience and momentum as the Lady Buffs prepare for Lone Star Conference play.

The event opened with a tight 3-2 loss to West Florida, followed by a hard-fought 6-4 win over Montevallo. A narrow 5-3 setback to McKendree concluded the first half of the competition. Though the losses stung, the Lady Buffs demonstrated the tenacity and adaptability that head coach Michael Mook praised in his squad, setting the stage for a dominant finish.

Sunday marked a turning point, with the Lady Buffs delivering three straight victories to close out the tournament. The first of those came against Palm Beach Atlantic, a decisive 8-0 win in just five innings that highlighted the team’s offensive firepower.

Later that day, WT faced UAH in a game that leaned heavily on the arm of freshman pitcher Brooke Janning. Entering with a 6-3 cushion after three innings, Janning pitched a complete seven innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking three, improving her season record to 5-1. The Lady Buffs built their lead with a third-inning outburst, including a three-run triple and a two-run single that gave them a commanding advantage. UAH attempted a late comeback, highlighted by a two-run triple, but the Lady Buffs held firm, ultimately securing an 8-3 win. Offensively, Emily Liskai led the charge with five RBIs, while Abby Howell and Avery Cannon also contributed multiple hits and runs, providing a balanced attack.

The final game of the weekend saw the Lady Buffs face Lee College, where they quickly seized control with a 7-0 lead by the second inning. The pitching trio of Laci Peskey, Reagan Sucher, and Tessia Guzman combined to limit Lee to three late runs, allowing WT to close out the tournament with a 7-3 victory. Bella Holland jumpstarted the scoring with a solo homer in the first inning, while Jordyn De Los Santos and Liskai drove in multiple runs to widen the lead. De Los Santos finished a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Avery Cannon also contributed with two hits.

With the Chattanooga Invitational behind them, the Lady Buffs enter conference play on a high note, riding a five-game winning streak and confident in their pitching depth and lineup versatility. Their next challenge comes Saturday, Feb. 14, with a doubleheader at Eastern New Mexico, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting Lone Star Conference campaign.

The weekend demonstrated not only the talent and skill of WT but also their resilience, as the Lady Buffs responded to early losses with composure, timely hitting, and strong pitching performances. If the Chattanooga Invitational is any indication, this team has the potential to make a deep run this season, blending experience, youth, and relentless competitive spirit.