EL PASO – UTEP Softball (9-5) is set to compete in the ASU/GCU Invitational this weekend (Feb. 28 – Mar. 2), facing a challenging slate of games against top competition.

The Miners will start in Tempe, Arizona, at Alberta B. Farrington Softball Stadium, where they will take on Seattle U and Yale on Friday. Saturday's matchups include Utah State and tournament co-host Arizona State, before concluding the weekend against RV Grand Canyon in Phoenix on Sunday at GCU Softball Stadium.
 

Tournament Schedule (MT) 

The Leadoff Report 

UTEP has been on a strong offensive tear to start the season, ranking first in Conference USA in batting average (.372), doubles (35), slugging percentage (.651), and on-base percentage (.443). The Miners have also turned 11 double plays this season, ranking fourth nationally. 

Leading the charge is Ajia Richard, who has been the driving force for the Miners' offense this season. She leads the team with a .585 batting average, collecting 24 hits, seven home runs, and 16 RBIs. Richard also boasts a 1.220 slugging percentage and a .614 on-base percentage, demonstrating her ability to get on base and deliver power at the plate.

Iliana Munoz has been another key contributor, hitting .405 with six doubles and 11 RBIs, while Kenna Carranza (.444) and Ashlynn Griffith (.389) have consistently produced at the plate. 

In the circle, Taja Felder (4-2, 2.86 ERA) and Audrey Gallegos (3-1, 3.74 ERA) have anchored the Miners' pitching staff. 

Several Miners rank among the best in both the conference and nationally. Ajia Richard is sixth nationally and first in Conference USA in batting average (.585). She also ranks eighth in the nation in home runs (7) and second in Conference USA in slugging percentage (1.220). Iliana Munoz is third in Conference USA in doubles (6), while Kenna Carranza sits in the top five in the league in batting average (.444).  

Richard earned Conference USA Player of the Week honors (Feb. 17) after a dominant performance at the Dr. Diana Natalicio Memorial Tournament. She hit .857 (12-for-14) with six home runs and 10 RBIs, including a record-tying three-homer game against Manhattan. 

The Opponents 

• Seattle U (8-7) – The Redhawks bring a strong offensive presence, slashing .301/.378/.464 with 47 extra-base hits. Tayler Fitch (.353, 19 RBIs) leads the lineup, while Nicola Simpson (1.71 ERA, 45 K) is the ace. Seattle U leads the all-time series 1-0 (last met in 2019). 
• Yale (2-4) – The Bulldogs are looking to gain traction after a slow start, hitting .230 as a team. Ella Cross (.412) leads their offense, and Emma Taylor (5.13 ERA) headlines the pitching staff. This will be the first-ever meeting between UTEP and Yale. 
• Utah State (11-4) – The Aggies are an offensive powerhouse (.358/.438/.606, 23 home runs). D1 Softball Player of the Week Giselle Gonzalez (.391, 22 RBIs) and Rylie Pindel (6-0, 3.74 ERA) lead their respective units. Utah State holds a 3-1 series advantage over UTEP. 
• Arizona State (10-5) – The Sun Devils, who lead the all-time series 9-3, are a formidable opponent with a .309 team batting average and a 3.26 ERA. Kelsey Hall (.462, 14 RBIs) and Kenzie Brown (1.24 ERA) are key players. 
• RV Grand Canyon (12-3) – The Lopes excel on both sides, hitting .342 as a team while posting a 2.41 ERA. Savannah Kirk (.462, 12-for-12 SB) and Meghan Golden (1.14 ERA) highlight their roster. UTEP leads the all-time series 1-0 (last meeting: 2016). 

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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.