MARSHALL, TX– The University of St. Thomas softball team concluded its historic 2026 season on Saturday afternoon in the NCAA Division III Softball Championship Regionals. Facing Rowan University for the second time in the tournament, the Celts battled throughout the elimination match but ultimately fell 5-1, concluding their season with an overall record of 31-12.
HOW IT HAPPENED
St. Thomas struck first in the opening inning with an early offensive push.
Rebecca Archibald opened the frame with a single down the left field line before
Chloe Bennett added another hit to place runners in scoring position. Later in the inning,
Ciaira Gonzalez delivered an RBI single to bring home Archibald and give the Celts a 1-0 advantage.
Rowan answered in the second inning, tying the game after a run scored during a stolen base sequence. The contest remained locked at 1-1 through the middle innings as both teams settled into a defensive battle.
The Celts threatened multiple times offensively.
Savana Henken recorded key hits during the game, including bunt singles in both the third and sixth innings, while Bennett added another single in the sixth to place two runners aboard. However, Rowan's defense worked out of the jams to preserve the tie.
The Profs gained the lead in the fifth inning with an RBI single before adding insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings. A two-run home run in the top of the seventh extended Rowan's lead to 5-1 and created the decisive separation late in the contest.
St. Thomas was unable to mount a final rally in the bottom of the seventh, as Rowan secured the victory and advanced in the regional bracket.
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
NOTABLES
- The Celts made their first appearance in the NCAA Division III Softball Championship Regionals in program history.
- St. Thomas concludes the 2026 season with a 31-12 overall record.
- The 2026 season marked the program's fourth 30-win season in the last five years.
UP NEXT
The 2026 season comes to a close for the Celts following their NCAA DIII Regionals appearance. St. Thomas finishes the year with 31 victories, yet another milestone season for the program. Tune in for next seasons 2026-2027 updates & MORE!
