EL PASO, Texas – UTEP softball fell to Sam Houston, 6-0, in the Conference USA series opener Friday night at Helen of Troy Field.
The Miners move to 8-11 overall and 0-1 in CUSA play, while the Bearkats improve to 15-9 overall and 1-0 in league action.
Sam Houston struck early, plating two runs in the top of the first inning when a two-run homer to right field gave the visitors a 2-0 lead. The Bearkats added another run in the second on an RBI single through the right side to push the advantage to 3-0.
Sam Houston continued to build on its lead with a solo home run to left field in the third inning, making it 4-0. The Bearkats added an unearned run in the fourth after a bunt reached on an error, allowing a runner to score, before a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning capped the scoring at 6-0.
Sam Houston pitcher Tiffany Sanchez tossed a no-hitter against the Miners. The lone blemish came when UTEP's Marissa Burchard was hit by a pitch as the first batter of the game.
Tatyana Vega earned the start in the circle for the Miners and was tagged with the loss, moving to 7-4 on the season. Vega pitched 4.0 innings and recorded five strikeouts. Arianna Flores entered in relief in the fifth inning, striking out one while allowing one unearned run and no hits.
On Deck
Game two of the series is set for Saturday, March 7 at 3 p.m. MST at Helen of Troy Field. Saturday will also feature a special celebration of UTEP softball history, highlighted by the retirement of former standout Chelsea Troupe's No. 00 jersey at 10:30 a.m. MST.
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/X) and UTEP Softball on Facebook or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.
