IRVING, Texas – The University of Dallas softball team delivered a strong all-around performance on the road, sweeping a doubleheader against Howard Payne on March 24 at Lady Jacket Park.

UDallas (6-15) combined for 20 hits and nine runs across the two games, backed by effective pitching and timely hitting in key moments. Howard Payne (2-16) stayed competitive early in both contests, but the Crusaders' consistency proved to be the difference.

In game one, Dallas struck first in the third inning as Aliyah Valdez delivered a two-RBI single to give the Crusaders an early lead. After Howard Payne responded to take a 3-2 advantage, UDallas answered in the fifth with RBI production from Erika Gazalski and Valdez to reclaim a 4-3 lead. Emma Sherman earned the win in the circle with 4.0 innings of work, while Kristiana Guerra secured the save with three scoreless innings, striking out five.

Game two saw the Crusaders jump out early once again, plating two runs in the opening inning behind an RBI from Abby Lasley and aggressive baserunning. Dallas maintained control throughout, adding insurance runs late, including a seventh-inning push highlighted by a Kailey Sweezey RBI single. Aliyah Valdez led the offense with a 3-for-4 performance, while Lasley added three hits of her own. Madison Carda earned the win in the circle, allowing just one earned run over 4.0 innings, and Guerra closed the door with another three scoreless innings.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
Aliyah Valdez: 4-for-6, 3 RBI, 2 R
Abby Lasley: 3-for-7, RBI
Erika Gazalski: 2-for-5, RBI, R
Keely Mathis: 2-for-8, 2 R

NOTABLES
Dallas recorded 20 hits across the doubleheader, including a 12-hit performance in game two.
The Crusaders pitching staff allowed just three earned runs over 14 innings.
Kristiana Guerra tossed 6.0 scoreless innings in relief across both games with 10 strikeouts.

Up Next
UDallas will look to carry this momentum forward as the Crusaders continue their SCAC schedule at home versus McMurry.