LYNCHBURG, Va. – UTEP Softball faced a tough challenge Friday evening, falling to nationally ranked No. 24 Liberty, 10-2, in five innings at Kamphuis Field. The Miners struggled to contain the Lady Flames' offensive firepower, as Liberty capitalized on key scoring opportunities to secure the run-rule victory. 

Game Recap

UTEP had an early chance to strike in the first inning, loading the bases off a single and two walks, but the Miners were unable to push a run across. Liberty took advantage in the bottom half, plating five runs on four hits, highlighted by a two-RBI triple from Madrey to take a 5-0 lead. The Lady Flames tacked on another run in the third inning when Whatley, who led off with a walk, came around to score on a fielder's choice, extending the lead to 6-0.  
 

The Miners responded in the fourth inning with a two-run rally. Iliana Munoz, Amaya Lee, and Kenna Carranza strung together three straight singles to open the inning, setting the table for Halle Hogan, who drew an RBI walk to put UTEP on the board. Madi Mendoza followed with a sacrifice fly to score Lee, cutting the deficit to 6-2.  
 

However, Liberty answered in the bottom half, adding three more runs, including a two-run home run by Rachel Roupe, to push their advantage to 8-2. UTEP managed just one hit in the fifth inning, a single from Ashlynn Griffith, before Liberty sealed the win in the bottom half. A single and two walks loaded the bases, and Madrey delivered a walk-off single to left-center to end the game via run-rule. 

On Deck 

UTEP and Liberty will continue their weekend series with a Saturday doubleheader on March 29. First pitch for game one is set for 1 p.m. MT, followed by game two at 4 p.m. MT. 

For more updates on UTEP Softball, follow @UTEPSoftball on social media or visit UTEPMiners.com.