JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – The UTEP softball team (10-11, 0-2 CUSA) came up short in a hard-fought 10-7 loss to Jax State (17-7, 2-0 CUSA) at Jana McGinnis Field Saturday afternoon. 

The Miners took an early lead in the first inning when Marissa Burchard launched a solo home run to left field. However, Jax State responded quickly with a two-run double by Abbi Perkins in the bottom of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. 

UTEP battled back in the third inning with a two-run home run by Ajia Richard, cutting the Gamecocks' lead to 5-3. The Miners kept pushing offensively, highlighted by Paige Lassiter's three-run home run in the sixth inning, bringing UTEP within a single run at 7-6. 

Jax State capitalized on key hits in the later innings, including a solo home run by Emma Elrod and a two-run shot from Kailey Martin in the bottom of the sixth, extending their lead to 10-6. UTEP's rally attempt in the seventh saw Madi Mendoza drive in a run, but the Gamecocks closed out the game with a save from Kat Carter. 

Taja Felder (5-6) took the loss for the Miners, pitching 1.1 innings and allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits. Serenity Jacoway and Anisa Reynolds combined for 4.2 innings of relief. 

For Jax State, Jaliyah Holmes (5-2) earned the win, throwing four innings while allowing three runs on four hits. Carter secured her second save of the season. 

UTEP totaled 11 hits in the game, with Lassiter, Richard, and Burchard each delivering home runs. Brantley Lavas added a triple to the offensive effort. 

On Deck 

The Miners will conclude the three-game series against Jax State on Sunday, March 9, with a newly scheduled first pitch at 11 a.m. MT. 

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