COLLEGE STATION, Texas – In a stunning turn of events, the Liberty Flames topped the No. 1 Texas A&M Aggies 6-5 in a thrilling Game 7, marking the first time in Division I softball history that a number one seed failed to advance from its own regional. This remarkable victory, achieved at the Aggies’ home field, sent Liberty into its first-ever Super Regional round.
The game was set for a winner-takes-all showdown after Texas A&M narrowly escaped elimination with a 14-11 victory in Game 6 earlier on Sunday. Liberty’s journey looked bleak as they fell behind 3-0 through the first three innings, failing to score even a point until the fifth inning. However, that changed dramatically when Rachel Roupe smacked a solo home run that connected with the left field videoboard, bringing Liberty back into the game.
The Flames carried that momentum into the sixth inning. After KK Madrey reached base on a walk, she advanced to second base on a wild pitch. With two outs, Savannah Jessee stepped up and blasted a 248-foot home run to tie the game at three. The tension was palpable as Texas A&M made a pitching change, replacing Emiley Kennedy with Grace Sparks.
Liberty’s success was far from over. In a striking repeat, Roupe hit another home run, again finding the left field videoboard, which sent the Flames to a commanding 6-3 lead with just one and a half innings left to play.
Undeterred, Texas A&M was determined to give their all. Allie Enright launched a solo homer in the bottom of the sixth, and later in the inning, Kramer Eschete crossed home plate, bringing the score to 6-5. Liberty’s task became clear: defend their slim lead in the seventh.
In the final inning, the Flames couldn’t extend their margin, going down in order against the Aggies. Facing a do-or-die situation, Texas A&M put two runners on base. With two outs and a 3-2 count, Liberty’s Kaylan Yoder delivered a pitch that sealed the victory for her team, sending the Flames into celebration as they captured the upset of the tournament.
Liberty’s remarkable achievement not only demonstrates their resilience, but also sets the stage for an exciting upcoming Super Regional. Fans and players are eagerly looking forward to what comes next as the Flames write a new chapter in their program’s history.
