HUNTSVILLE — Senior Megan McDonald came through with the game-winning hit in the bottom of the sixth to lead Sam Houston to a 3-1 victory over Tarleton Wednesday at the Bearkat Softball Complex.
 
The Bearkats (15-26) had the bases loaded with one out in the fourth and fifth innings but failed to take advantage of the scoring opportunities. McDonald changed Sam Houston's fortune when she came up in the same situation in the sixth.
 
Freshman Courtney White walked with one out to start the rally, and freshman Hannah Scheaffer and junior Sheridan Fisher both singled to load the bases. With two outs, McDonald floated a single into left field over the shortstop's outstretched glove to give the Bearkats a 3-1 lead.
 
Sam Houston struck first when senior Brooke Malia laced a double down the left-field line in the second which scored freshman Kylie Hobbs. The double the 38^th of Malia's career, setting a new school record.
 
Senior Darby Fitzpatrick only allowed three hits through four innings but did not factor into the decision after giving up a solo home run to Katy Schaefer in the top of the fourth to tie it for the Texans (16-31).
 
Sophomore Regan Dunn tossed three perfect innings to improve to 6-9 on the season. She finished with three strikeouts.
 
The Bearkats host Stephen F. Austin in a three-game Southland Conference series this weekend. The two teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 4 p.m. Friday and a single same Saturday at noon.