RUSTON, La. (KVIA) — In a thrilling doubleheader game against Louisiana Tech on Sunday, the UTEP softball team showed its mettle and ultimately separated the game in a way that represented both victory and challenge. Ta. The day began with a 4-0 shutout victory, marking the first Conference USA road series win since 2016 and the first consecutive shutout wins since 2010. The Louisiana Tech team fell just short at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field with a final score of 4-2.
UTEP now holds a record of 23-25 (9-9 CUSA) and LA Tech improved to 27-16 (10-8 CUSA).
Game 1: UTEP 4, LA Tech 0
UTEP quickly took the lead in the top of the first inning, when Lexi Morales got the lead with a walk. Halle Hogan then ignited the offense with a powerful double to right-center, paving the way for Crowell to hit a clutch single to center field. A pathetic throw error by Los Angeles Tech's center fielder allowed Crowell to advance and secure two RBIs, giving both Hogan and Morales a 2-0 victory.
In the top of the second inning, Ashlyn Allen hit a leadoff double to left-center field. In his debut at-bat this season, Faith Aragon took advantage of an error by Los Angeles Tech's second baseman to get on base. Morales grounded out on a strategic play, but still got an RBI, and Allen added another point to make it 3-0 for UTEP.
The relentless pressure continued in the top of the 4th inning, and Allen once again provided a spark of offense. Allen reached second base on an error by LA Tech shortstop and a sacrifice bunt by Bri Garcia, and Morales hit again, this time with a sharp single to left-center field, securing another RBI and extending UTEP's lead to 4-4. Expanded to 0. .
Faith Aragon picked up her 11th win inside the circle, recording five strikeouts and allowing just two hits.
Game 2: LA Tech 4, UTEP 2
After three tense scoreless innings, Crowell ignited UTEP's offense in the fourth with a sharp single to right. Momentum increased with back-to-back RBIs from Allen and Garcia, giving UTEP a 2-0 lead. But Louisiana Tech quickly responded in the bottom of the fifth inning, igniting a rally with Neal's double to left-center field. A crucial throwing error resulted in Cooper and Eastham scoring, and the game was decided at 2-2. The Bulldogs gained momentum in the bottom of the sixth inning, doubling their lead on Eastham's single over the left side with Reilly and Hammoud crossing the bat, giving Louisiana Tech the lead. Tech held off the Miners in the seventh inning and won 4-2.
Celebrity
- UTEP won its first Conference USA road series championship since 2016.
- The team achieved consecutive shutouts for the first time since 2010, demonstrating their defensive superiority.
- In the weekend series against LA Tech, UTEP dominated offensively, outscoring the Bulldogs 26-9 and boasting an impressive batting average of .317 compared to LA Tech's .136.
on deck
The Miners will host Liberty in their final home series April 26-28 at Helen of Troy Field and will commemorate Senior Weekend by honoring four seniors on Saturday and four more on Sunday. .
