GAME 1: Box | Highlights
GAME 2: Box | Highlights
EL PASO – The UTEP Softball team achieved its best start in program history during the opening day of the UTEP Invitational at Helen of Troy Field Friday evening. The Miners first secured a dominant 6-0 victory over Montana, propelling them to an impressive 7-1 record. However, the highlight of the evening came in a nail-biting extra-inning clash against Purdue Fort Wayne, where UTEP rallied in a dramatic final eighth inning to triumph 6-5, solidifying their remarkable 8-1 start to the season. The Miners' historic performance sets the stage for an electrifying softball season at UTEP.
GAME 1 | UTEP 6, Montana 0
UTEP's dominating performance in their first win of the day secured a 6-0 shutout over Montana while allowing only two hits to the Grizzlies. The Miners wasted no time establishing their lead, recording four runs in the opening frame, highlighted by singles from Halle Hogan, Ashlynn Allen, and Bri Garcia that brought in three runs, and a well-executed sacrifice fly by Kenna Collett for the fourth. The offensive momentum continued with runs in the fourth and fifth innings, featuring a groundout RBI by Lexi Morales and an impressive RBI triple by Allen. Faith Aragon, in the pitcher's circle, played a crucial role, earning her third win of the season and striking out five batters. Closing out the game with finesse, Zaylie Calderon earned a crucial strikeout in the 3-up, 3-down inning, securing the shutout victory for UTEP.
GAME 2 | UTEP 6, Purdue Fort Wayne 5 [8 inn]
UTEP's historic win against Purdue Fort Wayne unfolded in a thrilling 6-5 extra-inning victory, capping an extraordinary day. Purdue Fort Wayne initially took the lead with a run in the first inning, but UTEP responded in the second with a groundout RBI by Bri Garcia and an RBI single from Madi Mendoza, leading 2-1. Notably, Ashlynn Allen's outfield catch prevented PFW from tying the game, robbing them of a homerun in the third. PFW added two runs in the fifth, but Lexi Morales' RBI double in the sixth leveled the score at 3-3. With both teams scoreless in the seventh, extra innings ensued, and PFW gained a 5-3 lead in the eighth. UTEP, with Allen placed at second, rallied with Kenna Collett's double and Morales' triple, tying the game, 5-5. Halle Hogan's walk-off single secured UTEP's 6-5 win, marking the best start in program history. Taja Felder, who relieved Annika Litterio in the fourth inning, earned her fifth win of the season, contributing to the Miners' historic triumph.
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