STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Tarleton State dropped their first Whataburger Invitational game after entering Saturday 12-0 over the past three tournaments.
 
Tarleton State (4-4) defeated Lafayette (2-2) on Friday 8-1, but the Texans failed to push any runs across falling 3-0 at the Tarleton Softball Complex in Stephenville.
 
The Texans ended the game with just five hits. Brady Rowland went 2-for-3 with two singles. Kalyn Hill, Austin Germain and Jordan Dickerson each collected a hit on the day.
 
Kynlee Marquez earned her first start of the season going six innings giving up two earned runs on eight hits, walking three and hit one batter. She struck out four on the day setting her season-high and matching her career-high. She struck out four in 2022 against St. Thomas during her time with South Dakota.
 
Makenzie Dunbar took over the reins in the top of the seventh. She gave up one earned run on two hits, striking out one.
 
The Texans will return to action on Sunday for their final two games of the 2024 Whataburger Invitational. They will face off against Buffalo at 11:15 a.m. and then host Mississippi Valley State at 1:30 p.m.
 
The game vs. the Delta Devilettes was originally scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch on Saturday but was pushed a day due to the late start due to low temperatures.