UTSA softball split its doubleheader against the University of Houston on Saturday at Roadrunner Field, winning 5-4 in the first game and losing 3-2 in the second game.
The Roadrunners (11-7) asserted themselves in game one with five runs in the first inning, but they let the Cougars (13-5) claw their way back into the game. UTSA allowed four runs in the final three innings before earning the final out in the top of the seventh inning. In game two, the Cougars adopted a more methodical approach, drawing more walks and striking out only three times — defeating the Roadrunners in a close game.
Game One
UTSA started the game with runners on first and second in the bottom of the first inning. Sophomore catcher Kalee Rochinski hit a double to bring her teammates home, making it an early 2-0 ballgame.
Junior infielder Katia Reyes extended the lead as she hit a three-run home run over the left field wall.
“She’s a vibe. When she’s feeling good and playing hard, she brings a good vibe,” coach Vann Stuedeman said of Reyes. “She had a great weekend altogether. She’s swinging a hot bat right now.”
UTSA freshman infielder Skylar Rucker showcased her defensive range, robbing a base hit from infielder Kayley Prudhomme, keeping the Cougars scoreless in the top of the fourth.
“If you’re going to win games, you have to make plays that are extraordinary,” Stuedeman said of the outfield defense. “We expect those, and it’s a standard here that those plays are to be made.”
In the top of the seventh, Reyes subbed in as a pitcher for UTSA and allowed a two-run home run by infielder Brooke Wells. Freshman pitcher Kaylie Olivarez returned to the pitching circle for the Roadrunners and secured the final two outs, ending the game.
“She was doing a really good job and kept them guessing with her changeup and hitting some really good spots,” Stuedeman said of Olivarez’s pitching. “She seemed like she had a good day, so we wanted to make sure we used her accordingly.”
Game Two
With one out in the bottom of the third inning, freshman catcher Makayla Madrid hit an RBI double to give the Roadrunners a 1-0 lead.
Freshman pitcher Ava Eldridge entered the fourth to get the last out of the inning, but she walked pitcher Maddie Hartley with the bases loaded to tie the game 1-1.
A pitch hit catcher Isabel Cintron, granting her first base and a 2-1 lead for the Cougars. Freshman pitcher Reagan Stoudt replaced Eldridge and got out of the bases-loaded jam.
Two errors and a hit by pitch from UTSA in the top of the fifth inning allowed the Cougars to load the bases. Infielder Bethany Aguilar hit an RBI single to right field, giving Houston a 3-1 lead, but could not break the game open as Prudhomme hit a ground ball to freshman utility Sabrina Wick, ending the inning.
Senior infielder Lindsey Davis and Wick opened the bottom of the fifth with consecutive hits, giving the Roadrunners a chance to take the lead. Madrid hit an RBI single up the middle to cut the lead 3-2. UTSA was unable to take the lead with a runner on third as senior utility Jaylen Prichard grounded out to infielder Makenna Mitchell to end the inning.
Houston loaded the bases for a third time in the top of the sixth but were once again unable to extend their lead.
“We’ve got to score,” Stuedeman said of the offense after leaving the bases loaded. “The shortstop made two really great plays in that inning. You just have to tip your hat. We hit it well. That shortstop had a great defensive inning.”
UTSA softball will take on East Carolina University at 6 p.m. on Friday at Roadrunner Field.
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