Editor’s Note: This is not the most recent UTEP softball game.
The second game of the Third Annual Dr. Diana Natalicio Memorial Tournament hosted by the University of Texas at El Paso (4-2) saw the Miners defeat the University of Montana Grizzlies (2-5) 10-1 ending the game in the top of the fifth inning.
The Miners were first to put points on the board with senior third baseman Ajia Richard hitting the ball in play for a double, giving junior baserunner Iliana Munoz the chance to reach home to score a run.
Montana was able to get their own run in at the top of the second from designated player Sveva Sweeney. This would be the only time the Grizzlies would score in this game.
After going scoreless in the bottom of the second inning, UTEP put up 4 runs in the bottom of the third. Munoz started the momentum with a single to center field, then Richard got a single, getting Munoz to second and herself to first. Finally, sophomore catcher Lynne Sepulveda hit a 3-run home run to right field.
UTEP kept their defense airtight, as a result, the Grizzlies had a quick 3-and-out with two batters grounding out and one other batter striking out which ended the top of the fourth inning.
The Miners were able to score again in the bottom of the fourth when freshman left fielder Serenity Jacoway hit a double to left field, advancing junior baserunner Bri Garcia to third base. Although redshirt junior pinch hitter Kendall Angulo grounded out in her at bat, Garcia was able to reach home plate.
Once again, Munoz hit a single and got a run batted in(RBI) from Jacoway scoring in the seventh run, with Richard subsequently hitting a 2-run home run. Later in the inning, freshman pinch runner Cece Marquez scored in the tenth run from a sacrifice fly.
Montana came up scoreless again in the fifth inning which ended the game. UTEP had 3 home runs, 12 hits and 10 runs scored.
The Miners began their next game the same day against the Manhattan Jaspers at 5 p.m., leading the Miners to the second win of the night, 9-6.
Kristian Hernandez is a contributing photographer and may be reached at [email protected] and Instagram @northeastvideography.
