Opening inning drama
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros opened their Southland Conference Tournament campaign with a 6-4 loss to Northwestern State, a game that saw the lead change multiple times before the Demons pulled ahead in the fourth inning.
Offensive highlights
Rocco Garza Gongora paced the Vaqueros' offense, tying a career high with two doubles and scoring two runs, a performance that also moved him into second place on the program's single‑season doubles list with 21. Armani Raygoza contributed a 2‑for‑2 effort that included two doubles, two walks, an RBI and a run scored, while Kike Cienfuegos struck out the side in the first inning before being removed after the Demons rallied.
Pitching duel
Colton Vercoe delivered a career‑high 5.1 innings of relief, limiting the Demons to two hits and striking out five, while Jacob LeBlanc followed with 3.2 scoreless innings, giving up three hits and one walk while fanning four. Wesley Marien closed out the game with 1.1 innings of shutout work to record his third save of the season.
Looking ahead
The Vaqueros now turn their attention to an elimination match scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m., streamed live on ESPN+. Their opponent will be the loser of the No. 2 Lamar and No. 7 Stephen F. Austin showdown, a game that could reshape the tournament bracket.