Texas State Softball Wins Sun Belt Opener in Extra Innings

Bobcats defeat ULM 1-0 on Megan Kelnar's walk-off single in the 10th

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:55am

Texas State softball pitcher Madison Azua and ULM's Ashanti McDade battled through 9 scoreless innings before the Bobcats broke through in the 10th. Catcher Megan Kelnar's walk-off single brought home the winning run, giving Texas State a 1-0 victory in their Sun Belt Conference opener.

Why it matters

The hard-fought win to open Sun Belt play is an important early-season victory for Texas State, who is looking to build on their success from last year when they upset several ranked opponents. The game also featured a dominant pitching performance from both teams, showcasing the high level of talent in the Sun Belt conference.

The details

Texas State's Madison Azua threw 133 pitches over 10 innings, allowing just 5 hits and 0 runs while striking out 7. ULM's Ashanti McDade matched her, going the distance and throwing 158 pitches. The game remained scoreless until the 10th inning, when Texas State infielder Katarina Zarate singled to put runners on first and second. Megan Kelnar then came through with the game-winning hit, lining McDade's 158th pitch to third base to bring home the winning run.

  • The game took place on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • The game went 10 innings before Texas State won it in walk-off fashion.

The players

Madison Azua

The Texas State softball pitcher who threw a dominant 10-inning complete game, allowing just 5 hits and 0 runs while striking out 7.

Megan Kelnar

The Texas State catcher who delivered the game-winning hit in the 10th inning, lining a single to third base to bring home the winning run.

Ashanti McDade

The ULM pitcher who matched Azua with a complete game, throwing 158 pitches over 10 innings.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win to open Sun Belt play. Our pitching was outstanding and Megan came through in the clutch to get us the victory.”

— Megan Kelnar, Texas State Catcher

What’s next

Texas State will look to build on this win as they continue Sun Belt conference play, while ULM will aim to bounce back in their next matchup.

The takeaway

The pitching duel between Azua and McDade showcased the high level of talent in the Sun Belt, and Texas State's ability to grind out a close win in extra innings demonstrates their resilience and championship pedigree.