Waxahachie, TX | February 16, 2026 – The homestand continued at the Lions Athletic Complex on Monday afternoon, and the Lady Lions made sure the roar stayed loud in Waxahachie.

Behind dominant pitching, timely execution, and a late offensive explosion in Game 2, Nelson secured the doubleheader sweep over Huston-Tillotson University, moving to 6-6 on the season.

Game 1
The opener was a classic pitcher's duel — and Elena Mendez owned the circle.

Mendez went six shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three and working through traffic with poise and precision. When Huston-Tillotson threatened in the fifth after a single and an error, the defense locked in and slammed the door.

Offensively, the Lady Lions manufactured runs with grit and awareness.

• Layla Oliversparked the offense with a leadoff single in the first and later crossed home on a Cadence Hopgood RBI knock.

• In the third, Mendez was hit by a pitch, swiped second and third, then scored on a Parker Kittrell RBI single to make it 2-0.

• The insurance run came in the fifth when Mendez delivered again — this time with the bat — plating Reagan Desmuke to extend the lead to 3-0.

Macie Blizzard entered in the seventh and closed it out with authority, securing the save and sealing the 3-0 shutout victory.

The Lady Lions tallied four hits and executed small ball to perfection — two sacrifices, aggressive base running, and clutch RBI swings.

Game 2
If Game 1 was methodical, Game 2 was explosive.

After Huston-Tillotson scratched across an early run, the Lady Lions answered — and then broke it wide open.

The turning point came in the sixth inning. With the game firmly in Nelson's control, the bats erupted for five runs, putting the contest out of reach and igniting the home crowd.

Offensive standouts included:

• Layla Oliver – 2 runs scored, RBI, and constant pressure on the basepaths.

• Marcella Bryan – A three-RBI performance that blew the game open.

• Avery Coleman – Two doubles and two runs scored.

• Ava Fernandez – RBI double and disciplined at-bats.

• Haley Ehlert – Two-hit effort with an RBI.

In the circle, Valerie Guzman was steady and composed, tossing six innings and allowing just one earned run while striking out four to earn the win.

Nelson pounded out 10 hits and showcased depth throughout the lineup, with eight players reaching base and multiple extra-base hits creating separation.

Next Up
The homestand continues Tuesday, February 17, as the Lady Lions host Dallas Christian College in another doubleheader at the Lions Athletic Complex.

12:00 PM (DH)
Waxahachie, TX

Nelson University (formerly SA GU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.