EL PASO, Texas – UTEP Softball rallied from a three-run deficit to take down Kennesaw State, 9-6, on Friday night at Helen of Troy Field, opening their final home series of the season in thrilling fashion.
Down 6-3 midway through the fifth inning, the Miners (21-24, 9-13 CUSA) responded with six unanswered runs, including a four-run explosion in the sixth, to secure the victory and improve their momentum heading into Senior Day on Saturday.
Game Recap
Kennesaw State (10-38, 1-21 CUSA) struck first, plating two runs in the opening frame. Three straight singles — capped by an RBI from Ava Guzowski — got the Owls on the board before a sacrifice fly by Ana Gore made it 2-0.
After a quiet second inning for both sides, the Owls extended their lead in the third. Guzowski delivered again with a two-RBI double to center, pushing the score to 4-0. But UTEP answered right back. Bri Garcia led off with a walk, followed by a single from Ashlynn Griffith, setting the stage for Paige Lassiter, who crushed a three-run homer to right field to cut the deficit to 4-3.
KSU added solo runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to build a 6-3 advantage, but UTEP wasn't done. Brantley Lavas drew a walk in the fifth, and Ajia Richard smoked an RBI double down the left field line to make it 6-4. Richard's pinch runner, Jordyn Lopez, scored on a clutch single up the middle by Marissa Burchard, bringing UTEP within one, 6-5.
The Miners took full control in the sixth. Madi Mendoza led off with a single, Garcia walked, and pinch hitter Amaya Lee came through with a single to load the bases. Griffith then delivered a two-RBI single through the left side to give UTEP its first lead of the night, 7-6. Lavas scored on a wild pitch, and Richard added her third hit of the night — an RBI single to second — to cap the four-run frame.
Serenity Jacoway (4-5) earned the win in relief, entering in the fifth and limiting the Owls to just two hits and one run while striking out three. Starter Taja Felder fanned four batters in four innings of work.
UTEP outhit Kennesaw State 10-8 and matched the Owls with seven total strikeouts. Lassiter led the team with three RBI, while Richard finished a perfect 3-for-4 with two RBI and no strikeouts.
On Deck
The Miners and Owls continue the series with game two set for Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m. MT. Fans are encouraged to stick around after the game for a special Senior Day presentation honoring UTEP's graduating players.
Give a gift to UTEP Softball by donating to the Diamond Club.
For complete coverage of UTEP Softball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @utepsoftball (Instagram/Twitter) or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.
