EL PASO, Texas – UTEP Softball delivered a dominant all-around performance on Friday afternoon, shutting out FIU 7-0 at Helen of Troy Field to secure the series victory. Powered by stellar pitching, clutch hitting, and a defense that tied a school record with four double plays, the Miners (18-24, 7-13 CUSA) picked up their sixth shutout of the season.
Taja Felder (9-9) was masterful in the circle, tossing a complete-game gem. The right-hander allowed just four hits across 7.0 innings, didn't walk a single batter, and struck out two on just 68 pitches. Felder forced 11 groundouts and four foul outs, facing only one batter over the minimum. The game lasted a brisk 90 minutes.
The defense matched a program-best four double plays, last accomplished on April 30, 2023, at UAB. Each came at key moments to squash FIU's momentum, including one to end the game with the bases loaded in the seventh.
Game Recap
After a quiet start for both teams — the first two innings saw six straight 1-2-3 frames — UTEP broke through in the fourth. Halle Hogan was hit by a pitch and later scored on a deep triple to right-center from Madi Mendoza to make it 1-0.
The Miners exploded for five runs in the fifth. Bri Garcia led off with a solo homer to left on the first pitch of the inning. Brantley Lavas and Ashlynn Griffith followed with a single and a fielder's choice. Iliana Munoz singled, and pinch-runner Cece Marquez set the table for Ajia Richard, who crushed a three-run bomb to center to stretch the lead to 5-0. Later in the inning, Mendoza's sacrifice fly brought home Marissa Burchard to make it 6-0.
Richard wasn't done. In the sixth, she ripped an RBI double that nearly cleared the right-field fence, plating Lavas for her fourth RBI of the day.
The Panthers (29-16, 11-9 CUSA) threatened in the seventh, loading the bases with one out, but the Miners turned their fourth double play — this one a game-ending 4-6-3 from Garcia to Mendoza to Richard — to seal the win and shutout.
Richard finished 2-for-4 with a run and four RBI. Garcia also shined, going 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI, collecting both a home run and a double. UTEP out-hit FIU 11-4.
On Deck
The Miners will go for the sweep on Saturday, April 19, in the series finale set for 11 a.m. at Helen of Troy Field. Fans are encouraged to stick around after the game for a postgame Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 0-12 (tickets required; kids 2 and under get in free).
Give a gift to UTEP Softball by donating to the Diamond Club.
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.
