The ACU softball team improves to 13-8 this past weekend, but leaned more toward the loss column.

The ‘Cats fell short in two extra-inning games Saturday at the Courtyard Marriott Classic at Midwestern State’s Mustang Field to No. 13 Emporia State 6-5, and 3-2 to St. Mary’s University.

The ‘Cats held the Lady Rattlers to just two runs headed into the eighth inning. The top of the eighth, the ‘Cats opportunity to win fell through their hands.

Senior outfielder Keanna Winkfield made her way to third patiently waiting for a base hit to win the game.

With only one out, the Lady Rattlers played stifling defense to upset the ‘Cats.

Courtney Flanary fouled out to the catcher and Lyndi Smith returned the ball back to the pitcher for the final out.

ACU pitcher Caitlyn Crain hit batter Taylor Vidrine with a 1-2 pitch with the bases loaded ending the game 3-2.

The loss to Emporia State earlier Saturday left head coach Bobby Reeves with some changes to make as the tournament progressed.

Sunday morning, the ‘Cats left Mustang Field with a close win over the Riverhawks of Northeastern State 2-1.

ACU and NSU started the first inning off with a run. With the score tied at 1-1 in the top of the seventh inning, Sara Vaughn walked up to the plate with a chance to give the ‘Cats the lead.

Vaughn ripped one down the third-base line, but third baseman Lisa Ripperger was quick to react, as she threw it home for the force out. Seconds later, the catcher, Navada Campos, overthrew the first baseman to turn the double play. Ashley Nolan scored the easy run.

ACU pitcher Shelby Hall faced off against NSU’s pitcher Kayce Wooldridge. Both pitched complete games, but Hall ended up on top not walking a single batter and giving up just three hits. Hall improved to 5-1 on the year.

The ‘cats face Lone Star Conference opponent, Incarnate Word in a trio of games starting Friday night at 7 p.m.