HOUSTON – The Celts of the University of the St. Thomas came up just short in their attempt to upset nationally-ranked Texas Lutheran in the series opener between the two teams Friday.

At Houston Baptist University's Husky Field, a two-run sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth inning proved to be the difference for the visiting Bulldogs as they claimed a 3-2 victory.

UST (18-9, 10-3 SCAC) cut the TLU lead to one run in the bottom of the sixth inning when Mallarie Munson hit a one-out RBI single to right field that scored Jaelyn Simmons from third base. The Bulldogs then stanched the UST rally with an inning-ending double play.

Texas Lutheran (27-4) remained atop the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference standings with a 13-0 league record. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 3 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's NCAA Division III poll.

Kayleigh Deakle and Grace Torres hit singles for the Celts.

Lindsey Longuet took the loss in the circle for the Celts despite a solid pitching performance. She tossed all seven innings and scattered just four hits while allowing two earned runs and striking out three.

Ashlyn Strother improved to 15-0 in the circle for the Bulldogs; she struck out seven in the game.

The Celts and the Bulldogs conclude their series Saturday with a doubleheader at HBU's Husky Field. First pitch is scheduled for noon.