OKLAHOMA CITY | After falling behind 1-0 in the fourth inning, the sixth-ranked University of North Georgia team rallied to tie and then walk-off with a victory over No. 7 St. Mary's (Texas) Saturday afternoon at a misty ASA Hall of Fame Stadium complex. With the victory, UNG advances to 50-8 on the year and will face Adelphi in game nine of the NCAA DII Softball Championship.
 
The Rattlers ending a three-inning scoreless streak when Laura Benavidez deposited a pinch-hit RBI single into left to score Hannah Michel from first and give St. Mary's the initial 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth.
 
With the Nighthawks still seeking their first hit of the tournament, Tiffanie Burns provided the spark UNG had been looking for with a towering solo home run to left, tying the game, 1-1.
 
Poole turned away the Rattlers in the top of the eighth, with St. Mary's stranding a runner in scoring position. The Nighthawks would take advantage of their opportunity later in the inning.
 
Meredith Heyer reached base on a fielding error with one out in the bottom of the eighth. Heyer would be put out at second on a fielder's choice to the pitcher off the bat of Taylor Anne Merritt. With two outs and Merritt at first, Meagan May looped a double into no man's land-right center and Merritt never stopped running, coming into score the game-winning run to keep UNG's season alive.
 
Poole (43-4) earned the victory in the circle allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out eight.
 
The Nighthawks advance to game nine of the NCAA DII Softball Championship with the win, taking on Adelphi.