EL PASO - The UTEP softball team (15-32, 5-17 Conference USA) fell to UAB (23-23, 11-10 C-USA) 4-2 in its series opener Friday evening at Helen of Troy Field. 

The Blazers broke a 1-1 tie, scoring one run in the second and then two in the sixth to down the Miners. UAB gave up one last run to UTEP in the seventh.  

The Blazers were first on the board in the first as Sierra Frazier hit an RBI double to left field scoring Bella Wiggins who had a lead-off single for UAB.  

The Miners answered with their own RBI double in the home first. Lexi Morales drew a walk as she led off for the Miners. Marijn Crouwel doubled to right center plating Morales to tie up the game, 1-1.  

With two runners on, UAB put up another run in the second after Olivia Valbak reached on a fielder's choice allowing Lindsey Smith to cross the dish, then Smith recorded a two-run shot over right field in the sixth to extend the lead, 4-1.  

UTEP's rally in the seventh was a little too late as UAB only allowed one run. The Miners had runners on after Ashlynn Allen had a lead-off single and Karina Somoza drew a walk. With two outs, Morales' groundout to third base allowed Allen to score, but UAB's defense followed by robbing Couwel of a hit to end the game, 4-2. 

ON DECK  
Game two of the three-game series is set for Saturday, May 7, at 1 p.m. MT. UTEP will honor senior Sky Estrada after the game. The contest will be streamed on CUSA.tv, with live stats also available. 

Help support UTEP student-athletes by making a gift to the Miner Athletic Club. Visit givingto.utep.edu/mac today!  
   
For complete coverage of UTEP Softball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @utepsoftball (Instagram) and @UTEPSoftball (Twitter) or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.