WACO – North Texas started out with four runs in the first inning on Sunday to defeat Kent State 9-0 in the championship game of the Baylor Invitational.
The win marks the second tournament win in as many weekends for UNT.
North Texas lost all three games in pool play to open up the tournament, which gave them the last seed and a hard road to the championship game. However, North Texas defeated top seed Louisiana-Lafayette yesterday afternoon to advance to the championship game and run ruled Kent State in five innings to grab the title.
"We finished the weekend a lot better than we started, and I was proud of how we responded," Coach Rodney DeLong said. "We really got tested this weekend and saw actual adversity. It shows what kind of fight we have."
After allowing just one run to the No. 10 Ragin' Cajuns yesterday, Hope Trautwein shut out Kent State through five innings while throwing another gem for the Mean Green. Trautwein improved her record to 6-1. When she is on the mound, UNT has a great chance to win the game.
"I just have to stick to my game plan, spin the ball and throw my game," Trautwein said. "It all comes down to the pitch calling too. I make sure to trust Coach [Jamie Allred and Coach DeLong because they know what they're doing."
Trautwein added that this softball team believes they are capable of competing with any team in the country. After defeating top-20 Texas A&M and top-10 Louisiana, Mean Green fans are starting to believe the same thing.
"We know that we're a top-caliber team and that we can play anyone in this country and keep up with them," Trautwein said. "It was fun to see everyone get their mojo back." Jenna Goodrich had a spectacular day at the plate with two hits, four RBIs and a three-run home run in the second inning. Junior Katie Clark raised her already ridiculous batting average even more after leading the team with three hits at the leadoff position.
The two led a Mean Green offense that amassed 10 hits while committing zero errors in Sunday's championship game.
"Our whole lineup has confidence, and we played like it these last two games," junior Lacy Gregory said. "I think 1-9, everyone is getting on base and we just have people driving them in. I don't think there's anything special."
North Texas jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a 2-RBI double from Goodrich and a 2-RBI single from Hanna Rebar.
Goodrich's home run in the second inning extended the North Texas lead to six, and senior Rhylie Makawe added onto the lead in the fourth with a 2-RBI single to center field.
Camille Grahmann came around to score on a fielder's choice in the top of the fifth inning for the Mean Green's final run.