Senior pitcher Rachel Rook led the Redhawks softball team to a 2-1 record while in the circle Feb. 11-13 at the Lion Classic at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.

The Redhawks picked up a win against Alabama A&M 13-0 in just five innings in their first matchup of the season. Rook threw 79 pitches and faced 19 batters in the game.

Rook struck out 12 batters while only giving up one hit throughout the game, which came in the top of the fourth inning. She also walked only two players in the competition. This game was the 13th shutout of her career.

“I felt connected with my mechanics and timing on all my pitches,” Rook said. “My game plan was to fill the zone and get ahead of hitters, and for the most part, I feel that I succeeded in that.”

The next showing for Rook was in a loss against host Southeastern Louisiana. The Redhawks had a 4-0 lead, but the Lions were able to stay in the game and had a huge fourth inning.

Rook threw 80 pitches and faced 21 batters against the Lions. She allowed eight hits and gave up five of the Lions’ six runs in this competition. This was the first loss of the season with Rook in the circle, and her only one this tournament.

“We’re a very young team, so I would like for us to be able to shake the nerves out as the season goes on,” sophomore pitcher Paytience Holman said.

Rook’s final matchup of the weekend was a 5-2 victory against Nicholls College. This game was Rook’s second game of the weekend, where she allowed just one hit. She also matched her career-high 15 strikeouts while throwing out 105 pitches and facing 24 batters.

“I think we’re definitely lucky to have her back for a fifth year,” sophomore catcher Karsyn Davis said. “She’s one of the best to ever do it, so I think she definitely helps us out a lot.”

Over the weekend, Rook totaled 28 strikeouts, only allowed 10 hits and threw one shutout.

Rook and the Redhawks will be back in action March 2 at 6 p.m. at the University of Mississippi to take on the Rebels.