EL PASO, Texas – The UTEP softball team is set for a crucial Conference USA series against No. 24 Liberty this weekend, March 28-29, at Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium. Due to inclement weather in the forecast for Sunday, the series schedule has been adjusted, with a single game on Friday at 6 p.m. ET/4 p.m. MT followed by a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 3 p.m. ET/1 p.m. MT.

Series Schedule (MT) 

The Leadoff Report 

The Miners (12-16, 2-7 CUSA) have been making strides offensively and defensively, led by standout performances from key players. UTEP ranks among the top teams in Conference USA in several statistical categories, excelling in hitting and slugging percentage. 

Leading the charge offensively, Ajia Richard has been a force at the plate, earning Conference USA Player of the Week honors earlier this season. Richard leads the team in home runs and RBIs and was ranked No. 10 in D1 Softball's Third Base Player Power Rankings after four and six weeks of play.  

Freshman Marissa Burchard is also making a name for herself, earning Conference USA Freshman of the Week honors (March 24) after hitting .545 in a series win over WKU – the first such series win in program history. Burchard leads UTEP in batting average in CUSA play (.406) and has recorded 13 hits in nine conference games. 

UTEP has showcased offensive firepower throughout the season, leading Conference USA in key statistical categories. The Miners rank No. 1 in CUSA in home runs per game (1.23, 22nd NCAA), slugging percentage (.521, 25th NCAA), and on-base percentage (.395, 37th NCAA). 

Scouting Liberty 

Liberty (28-6, 8-0 CUSA) enters the weekend ranked No. 20 in the D1Softball.com Top 25, No. 22 in the Softball America Top 25 Poll, and No. 24 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Poll.  

Liberty's offensive firepower is led by Roupe, who made history by becoming the first player in Conference USA history to be named Softball Player of the Week three weeks in a row. She is hitting .560 in conference play, with five home runs and 15 RBIs. 

In the circle, Elena Escobar (12-2, 1.78 ERA) has been dominant, earning NFCA All-Region Second Team honors and throwing a one-hit shutout last weekend. 

The Lady Flames are undefeated in conference play and lead the all-time series against UTEP 4-1, with the Miners' lone win coming in 2024. 

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For complete coverage of UTEP Softball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @utepsoftball (Instagram/X) or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.