Cameron // Final Box | East Central // Final Box

SAN ANGELO – Angelo State centerfielder Brittany Astle launched two home runs, recorded six RBIs and made a pair of diving catches in the outfield to lead the second-ranked Rambelles to a pair of victories in the LSC Crossover Tournament at the Texas Bank Sports Complex Sunday. Although the senior had a tremendous day, it may have been a little sweeter for Kelly Astle, Brittany's father, who flew in from California for the tournament.

“I could not be more proud of her,” said Kelly. “I've had this one circled on the calendar for a while now, and if I would have known she would have played this great, I would have paid double.”

Angelo State (30-5) outlasted Cameron, 12-11, in a slugging contest to open Sunday's action. The teams combined for 30 hits and 23 runs in the affair.

Trailing 5-1 entering the bottom of the second, the Rambelles offense came alive as they planted four runs in the second inning and tallied five more in the third. With two outs and a run already in, Kaycee Taylor doubled to right center in the second to bring home a pair and tie the game, 5-5. ASU continued to rattle the bats in the third, which was highlighted by Astle's three-run homer. The Tracy, Calif., native hit a towering shot over the centerfield wall to give the 'Belles a 9-5 lead. ASU would get another run and take a 10-5 advantage going into the fourth.

The Aggies (19-18-1) cut into the deficit by plating a pair of runs in the fourth off Drew Wright's single down the right-field line. Conversely, Astle countered in the bottom half for the 'Belles, launching her second home run of the game. This was a two run shot which gave the 'Belles a 12-7 lead. ASU would go on to win the game, 12-11, as Jessica Newsome picked up the win.

“My first home run was shocking and the second one was even more shocking,” said Astle. “I don't think I've ever done that before in my life, but it was nice because I haven't been hitting very well and it really helped out the team.”

Claire Molina left her mark in the second game against East Central (24-9) by tying her career high in strikeouts with nine, while allowing just one earned run in her complete-game effort. The 'Belles would go on to win, 6-3, against the Tigers.

Fours were wild for ASU as the 'Belles scored four runs on four hits in the fourth to erase a 3-2 deficit. Taylor led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second after Kacie Easley singled through the left side. The duo both scored after taking advantage of a Tiger's throwing error, while fielding Alix Dean's single. DeeshanaLynn Tafiti would bring home Dean on a double to left and the final run would come off Astle's RBI single up the middle to give the 'Belles a 6-3 advantage.

Offensively, Angelo State was led by its pair of All-Americans in Dean and Easley. Combined the duo went 5-for-6 with two RBIs and four runs scored.

“This was a big day for us,” said head coach Travis Scott. “We were able to bounce back after playing poor the first few days to get some wins. We hit the ball hard today, which will hopefully get our confidence up going into next week.”

The Angelo State softball will face two opponents next week as team plans to “Battle Cancer, One Pitch at a Time” during the April 8-9 series against Eastern New Mexico in an effort to raise awareness for young adult cancer.

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