AUSTIN, Texas - An early lead was not enough for the Pacific Lutheran University softball team on Monday afternoon, falling victim to a late rally as host Concordia University emerged with the 11-7 victory to close out the Lutes' six game tour of Texas.

The Lutes (3-3) drew first blood, piling on four runs in the second inning. Samantha Simundson got things rolling with a single through the right side, scoring both Chaella Galapon and Kennedy Robillard before a Marley Dyer double brought home Simundson. Becca Sorensen upped the lead to 4-0 with a single to plate Dyer.

The Tornados (1-1) pushed across a single run in the bottom of the third before Bailey Plumb legged out an inside the park home run, scoring Nicole Manuel in the process to give Pacific Lutheran the 6-1 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth. Concordia's offense came alive iun the bottom of the fourth, cranking out six hits and six runs to seize a 7-6 lead.

Galapon blasted a double in the fifth inning to bring home Erin McGrath to tie the game but Concordia added two runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to push ahead for the win.

"Our team sees how quickly the game can get away from you if you don't remain present in each moment," said Head Coach Traci Barrett. "We had a big second inning and lacked attention to do the little things to keep us ahead in the game. Kennedy did a great job in the circle considering she's nursing an injury. Looking forward we know we have some things to clean up defensively and also continue to develop the mental aspect of the team and what we're about."

Galapon and Simundson both finished with two hits while seven total Lutes tallied a base knock in the game. Inside the circle, Robillard tossed the opening three innings, striking out one and allowing no walks before making way for Kathryn Hatlen who absorbed the decision, pitching 2 2/3 innings and striking out one.

"This weekend we saw contributions from every single player and as a coach that's a great place to start. Our offensive results stem from a lot of hard work and discipline by our players at the plate. Our players have worked hard in the offseason to be in great physical shape but at times this weekend mental endurance was an issue."

The are back on the road next weekend, traveling to southern California to face Occidental College on Saturday and Whittier College on Sunday.