BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UTEP softball (7-15, 2-4 C-USA) lost both games in its double-header versus UAB (17-15, 4-2) by scores of 4-1 and 3-2, respectively, Saturday evening at Mary Bowers Field.
 
The Miners held a lead in the beginning of both games but were unable to provide starting pitchers Mackenzee Collins and Isabella Kelly run support past the third inning.
 
Sophomore utility Zaylie Calderon made relief appearances in each game, tossing a combined 4.2 innings of shutout softball for the Miners.
 
Game 1: UAB 4, UTEP 1
 
Fifth-year infielder Bryanna Molina scored the Miners' first and only run with a solo home run to left field in the second inning for her third long ball of the season. After that inning, UAB's Amy Woodham and Parker Conrad combined for five shutout innings. The Blazer duo tossed five and four strikeouts, respectively.
 
UTEP threatened UAB's lead in the sixth inning when it got two runners on base with junior utility Kasey Flores in scoring position on third. But freshman outfielder Anna Sample – who entered the game to pinch hit – was sent down on strikes to end the inning.
 
Game 2: UAB 3, UTEP 2
 
The Miners struck first in game two again with an RBI bloop single to left field off the bat of freshman outfielder Ashlynn Allen in the second inning. In the next top half, UTEP tacked on another run as Flores struck out on a passed ball but reached safely to first base, allowing junior infielder Pate Cathey to sprint home from third base.
 
UAB loaded the bases in the bottom of third for sophomore Faith Hegh. Hegh gave the Blazers the lead in the game and for the remainder of the contest with a bases-clearing double, 3-2.
 
UAB's Jaycee Cook tossed a complete game with four strikeouts and did not allow a run nor a hit after the third inning. For complete coverage of UTEP softball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPSoftball (Twitter), @utepsoftball (Instagram) and on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.