The LeTourneau University softball team nearly upset the No. 1 UT Tyler softball team on Friday at Suddenlink Field inn Tyler. The YellowJackets dropped a 1-0 decision to the top team nation in the nation, stranding four runners on base in the loss.
 
The loss drops LETU to 4-8, 2-5 ASC as UT Tyler improves to 6-2 overall and 4-0 in the ASC.
 
LeTourneau senior Megan Hill started the contest with a single to right field for her first of two hits in the contest. The early threat by the YellowJackets ended on a double play in the inning. The two teams remained scoreless until the third inning.
 
With two out, R. Rodriguez singled through the left side; then she moved to second on a walk. With runners on first and second, KK Stevens singled down the right-field line to score Rodriguez from second.
 
Again, Hill sparked a threat in the fourth inning. She started the inning with a single to center field; then with one out on a single by senior Rachel Gauspohl, Hill was thrown out at third base. A walk to freshman Macey Mize put runners on first and second but the YellowJackets were kept off the scoreboard as Patriots' pitcher Kelsie Batten got a strike out.
 
Batten, who pitched her fourth complete game, improved to 4-2 on the season for UT Tyler.
 
LeTourneau starter Kayla Cosby falls to 3-2 after giving up just five hits and striking out five in the loss.
 
The two teams will wrap up the weekend series with a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m.