Gold Nuggets split, clinch RRAC Softball Tournament berth

TYLER, Texas — Xavier University of Louisiana split a softball doubleheader Thursday with Texas College and clinched a berth in next week’s Red River Athletic Conference Tournament.

The Gold Nuggets lost 5-0, then won 4-1.

XULA will play NAIA No. 1 Our Lady of the Lake in the opening round of the RRAC Tournament, which is double elimination, May 2 at Pineville, La. The Gold Nuggets qualified for the tournament for the third time in as many years of RRAC membership.

Freshman right-hander Kayla Evans pitched a complete game and earned her first collegiate road victory to help the Gold Nuggets (12-23 overall, 7-17 RRAC) gain a split with the Steers (19-19, 10-16).

XULA will stay on the road for its regular-season finale, a 1 p.m. Saturday RRAC doubleheader at Jarvis Christian.