KENNESAW, Georgia – UTEP softball opened its Conference USA road series with a 7-5 victory over Kennesaw State on Friday evening at Bailey Park.

With the win, the Miners improve to 10-19 overall and 2-8 in CUSA play, while the Owls fall to 6-24 overall and 2-8 in league action.

UTEP wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for five runs in the top of the first inning. Iliana Munoz got the scoring started with an RBI single up the middle to plate Brantley Lavas. Halle Hogan followed with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead before a pair of Kennesaw State errors helped the Miners push the advantage to 4-0. Aaliyah Betancourt capped the inning with an RBI single to center, giving UTEP a commanding 5-0 lead.

Kennesaw State responded with a run in the second inning, but the Miners answered in the third. Kendall Angulo delivered a two-RBI single up the middle, bringing home Kenna Carranza and Marissa Burchard to extend the lead to 7-1.

The Owls threatened late with a four-run seventh inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Howes, but UTEP's pitching staff held firm to secure the 7-5 victory.

UTEP outhit Kennesaw State, 10-8, and posted a .357 team batting average while limiting the Owls to a .266 clip. Eight different Miners recorded hits, led by Burchard (2-for-3) and Angulo (2-for-4). Five Miners crossed the plate, with Burchard and Carranza scoring twice each.

Four different Miners recorded RBIs, highlighted by Angulo's two-RBI performance. The Miners also showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks, with Bri Garcia and Carranza each earning two.

Defensively, UTEP committed just one error compared to three by Kennesaw State. Betancourt led the way in the field with a team-high five putouts and three assists.

Arianna Flores earned the start in the circle and picked up her first win of the season, moving to 1-4 after tossing 3.0 innings. Tatyana Vega was outstanding in relief, earning her first save of the season after pitching 3.2 innings, allowing just two hits with no runs or walks while striking out two.

On Deck
UTEP and Kennesaw State will continue the series on Saturday, March 28, with first pitch set for 12 p.m. MDT. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

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