EL PASO, Texas – UTEP softball hits the road for a three-game Conference USA series at Kennesaw State, set for March 27-29 at Bailey Park in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Schedule
Friday, March 27
Kennesaw State | 3pm MDT
Bailey Park
Saturday, March 28
Kennesaw State | 12pm MDT
Bailey Park
Sunday, March 29
Kennesaw State | 9am MDT
Bailey Park
Coverage: Live Stats | ESPN+
Last Time Out
UTEP (9-19, 1-8 CUSA) faced a tough test against defending Conference USA champion Liberty last weekend at Helen of Troy Field, dropping all three games of the series.
The Lady Flames jumped ahead early in each contest, using timely hitting and power at the plate to control the series. UTEP's offense saw highlights from Iliana Munoz and Kenna Carranza, who each launched solo home runs, while the Miners continued to battle throughout despite the setbacks. Liberty secured the sweep with scores of 8-1, 9-1 (6 innings), and 11-3.
LEADOFF REPORT
Offensive Leaders
UTEP continues to showcase a productive offense, led by Marissa Burchard, who paces the team with a .360 batting average, 32 hits, 24 runs scored, 11 doubles and 54 total bases. She also leads the Miners in stolen bases (9-of-10) and ranks among the top players nationally in doubles.
Burchard and Brantley Lavas are the only Miners to have started all 28 games this season, while Aaliyah Betancourt, Bri Garcia and Iliana Munoz have appeared in every contest.
Kenna Carranza leads the team with four home runs—including a grand slam—and 17 RBI, while Lavas has drawn a team-high 12 walks. UTEP has shown depth at the plate, recording 223 hits with 56 doubles, three triples and 21 home runs, contributing to a .301 team batting average.
On the basepaths, the Miners are 16-of-23 in stolen base attempts, with multiple players contributing speed and aggressiveness.
In The Circle
Tatyana Vega anchors the pitching staff with a team-best 8-7 record, 5.41 ERA and 85.1 innings pitched across 21 appearances. She also leads the team in starts (10), complete games (3) and strikeouts (41).
Defensive Notes
UTEP has been strong defensively, posting a .974 fielding percentage—ranking among the top 30 nationally—and turning 11 double plays. Munoz leads the team with 108 putouts, while Burchard (56 assists) and Betancourt (52 assists) have been key on the infield.
National Rankings
UTEP ranks among the NCAA's top teams in several categories, including:
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11th in doubles per game (2.00) – leads Conference USA
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25th in total doubles (56)
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28th in fielding percentage (.974) – leads Conference USA
Individually, Burchard ranks inside the top 35 nationally in doubles and doubles per game, while Vega ranks among the NCAA leaders in appearances, innings pitched and victories.
Walk-Off Wins
Five of UTEP's victories this season have come via walk-off fashion:
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vs. UT Arlington – 16-15 comeback win after trailing by 10 runs
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vs. Montana – 15-14 (8 innings)
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vs. Idaho State – 5-4
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vs. Houston Christian – 3-2
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vs. Sam Houston – 3-2
Game Situations
UTEP has played several tight contests this season:
SCOUTING KENNESAW STATE
Kennesaw State enters the weekend at 6-23 overall and 2-7 in Conference USA play.
Macie Howes leads the Owls offensively with a .449 batting average, 40 hits and 30 RBI, while Ava Guzowski has drawn a team-high 13 walks. Alora Bevily provides a threat on the bases, going 7-for-10 in stolen base attempts.
As a team, KSU is hitting .261 with 195 hits and is 21-of-30 in stolen bases.
In the circle, Leah Jannakos leads the staff with a 5.25 ERA and a 5-7 record over 85.1 innings pitched, adding 38 strikeouts. The Owls have utilized five pitchers this season and carry a 7.34 team ERA.
Defensively, Kennesaw State holds a .955 fielding percentage and has turned 13 double plays.
SERIES HISTORY
Kennesaw State holds a narrow 3-2 advantage in the all-time series. The programs first met in 2006 in Birmingham, Alabama, where the Owls won both contests.
The teams reunited in 2025 as Conference USA opponents in El Paso, with UTEP claiming the series 2-1.
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