TEMPE, Arizona – The UTEP softball team battled through extra innings and delivered a strong shutout performance on the opening day of the ASU/GCU Invitational, splitting its matchups at Alberta B. Farrington Stadium on Friday afternoon.  

The Miners (10-6) fell in a hard-fought 4-3 game against Seattle U in nine innings but rebounded with a dominant 4-0 shutout victory over Yale. 

Game 1: Seattle U 4, UTEP 3 (9 Innings) 

UTEP's opener against Seattle U proved to be a back-and-forth contest that stretched into extra innings. The Redhawks took an early 2-0 lead in the fourth inning after a two-run home run by Taylor Fitch. The Miners responded in the bottom of the inning, tying the game at 2-2 after a clutch two-RBI single from Amaya Lee. 

The Miners grabbed a 3-2 lead in the sixth when a throwing error allowed Paige Lassiter to score, but Seattle U forced extra innings with a sacrifice fly in the seventh. In the top of the ninth, Seattle U plated the game-winning run on an RBI single by KJ Hopfer. UTEP threatened in the bottom of the inning, but the Redhawks' defense held firm to secure the win. 

Taja Felder (4-3) took the loss despite a strong relief effort, while Berkley Vance (2-2) earned the win for Seattle U. Ajia Richard led the Miners' offense with a 2-for-5 performance, including a double. 

Game 2: UTEP 4, Yale 0 

The Miners bounced back in the second game of the day with a stellar defensive performance and timely hitting to shut out Yale. UTEP broke through in the third inning, plating three runs thanks to an RBI single from Ajia Richard and a steal of home by Ashlynn Griffith. Kenna Carranza added an RBI double to cap off the scoring in the inning. 

Rylan Dooner provided an insurance run in the fifth with an RBI double to extend the Miners' lead to 4-0. Taja Felder (5-3) dominated in the circle, tossing five scoreless innings with four strikeouts, while Anisa Reynolds closed out the final two frames to preserve the shutout. 

Griffith was a standout performer, going 3-for-4 at the plate and stealing two bases to lead UTEP's offense. 

On Deck 

UTEP continues play in the ASU/GCU Invitational on Saturday, March 1, with two more contests at Farrington Stadium. The Miners will take on Utah State at 1:15 p.m. MT, followed by a matchup against tournament host Arizona State at 4:00 p.m. MT. 

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