ACU’s softball team fought hard last weekend at the Texas Tech Invitational as they pulled out a win against University of Rhode Island and suffered close losses.

Friday, the Wildcats lost 4-12 against Sam Houston State with two runs by Lyndi Smith, and one for Emily Seidel and Demi McNulty. All of ACU’s runs were made in the third inning. Sam Houston’s strong offense was able to score all six innings.

“In game one on Saturday against Sam Houston, our team put up an incredible fight for nine innings,” said sophomore Demi McNulty. “This extra inning game was filled with great defensive plays, as well as clutch hits.”

However, the Wildcats recovered from their loss and regained their focus, pulling out a win later that day against University of Rhode Island.

Freshman pitcher Hannah Null pitched her first no-hitter for her collegiate career and became seventh in ACU softball history as she led the Wildcats to a 9-1 victory. Null allowed only four baserunners, two of them caused by ACU errors. One baserunner came from a walk and another after Rhode Island University Ram Jenna Cubello was hit.

The Wildcats got four runs in the first inning, one in the second and third and three in the fourth. Anna Jones and Demi McNulty each had two runs. Ashley Nolan, Paige Stevens, Emily Seidel, Courtney Flanary and Madison Buckley all had one run.

McNulty was the high-hitter for the game with 3 hits while Smith had 2 RBI’s.

Saturday, ACU lost both games each by two points. The Wildcats had seven errors in both games. The first game against Sam Houston State went into nine innings as the Wildcats fought hard. The second game against Rhode Island went to seven innings.

“We want to make a name for ACU in the new conference by earning the respect of our opponents,” McNulty said. “Although we did not record the number of wins that we wanted, there were definitely some outstanding highlights, including a no-hitter thrown by our freshman pitcher, Hannah Null. Our coaching staff continues to be a motivational push as conference play approaches.”

Although the Wildcats didn’t have the turnout they were hoping for, a lot was accomplished and they had a good learning experience. ACU will continue their journey on the road this weekend as they play in the Jeannine McHaney Memorial Classic in Lubbock.

The Wildcats will play Texas Tech University Friday at 5:30 p.m. and University of Texas at Arlington Saturday at 10 a.m.