The Sam Houston softball team defeated Texas Southern 6-2 and 9-4 in a non-conference doubleheader.

Centerfielder Tori Benavidez led the Kats at the plate, going 4-for-4 in the first game and 3-for-5 in the nightcap. Benavidez ended the night with seven RBIs including two home runs.

The Bearkats totaled 31 hits for the night. Kim Damian, Alyssa Coggins and Cecilia Castillo each posted four hits.

Damian produced a double in the first game and a home run in the second.

The Bearkats never trailed in either game, jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the first game and 3-0 in the second. But the Tigers bounced back to tie the nightcap 3-3 and force extra innings. The Kats put six runs on the board in the eighth inning for the victory.

Shelby Lancaster (8-6) was the winning pitcher for Sam Houston in the opener, striking out four batters in seven innings.

Meme Quinn (5-4) was the winner in the second, striking out six in seven innings

The Bearkats will return to Southland Conference action Friday and Saturday when they take on Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches.

Sam Houston now stands 18-17 for the year.