The softball team during the National Anthem.

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The softball team during the National Anthem.

UTSA softball lost 14-3 against Florida Atlantic University Saturday at Roadrunner Field.

The Roadrunners (14-18, 2-9 AAC) were unable to keep up with the Owls (31-5, 10-1 AAC) following their loss by way of run-rule yesterday. The bottom of the fourth effectively ended the game for UTSA after the Roadrunners left three runners on base after scoring two runs with one out. 

The Roadrunners opened up the game with a shaky start as sophomore pitcher Meredith Schmitt allowed a bases-loaded walk to give Florida Atlantic a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. A sacrifice fly by infielder Jesiana Mora and an RBI single by infielder Yani Guzman gave the Owls a three-run lead.

UTSA responded in the bottom of the first with an RBI single by freshman catcher Makayla Madrid that allowed freshman utility Sabrina Wick to score. In the following inning, junior pitcher Katia Reyes took the circle and allowed zero runs before running into trouble in the third.

“You’re trying to put the best matchup out there,” coach Vann Stuedeman said of the pitching staff. “The best pitcher against which hitter they might have the opportunity to be successful against.”

The ‘Runners showed signs of life in the bottom of the fourth. Madrid, Reyes and junior utility Madison Hornback loaded the bases to give UTSA a chance to score. Senior infielder Camryn Robillard hit a two-run single, cutting the deficit to 11. After UTSA loaded the bases once again, freshman infielder Skylar Rucker hit a pop-up to third base to end the inning. 

“I thought we had a lot more fight at the plate,” Stuedeman said of the offense. “We were able to get to another pitcher, which is important. I thought it was a lot better than yesterday.”

In the third frame, utility Ciara Gibson roped an RBI triple down the right field line, followed by Guzman, infielders Bella Cimino and Kiley Channell provided RBI singles to extend Florida Atlantic’s lead.

In the fourth inning, UTSA freshman pitcher Ava Eldridge allowed a home run to Gibson and a grand slam to Channell — pushing the score 14-1. 

Florida Atlantic outclassed UTSA on offense, earning 11 hits in 25 at-bats. UTSA earned just six hits in 21 at-bats. Madrid and Robillard led in RBIs with one and two respectively, and the pitching staff allowed 11 runs on 10 hits while walking eight batters. 

UTSA will play the series finale against Florida Atlantic University at 1 p.m. Sunday at Roadrunner Field.