UTSA softball lost to Florida Atlantic University 11-2 on Sunday at Roadrunner Field.
The Roadrunners (14-18, 2-9 AAC) fought aggressively during their third and final weekend series matchup against the Owls (32-6, 10-1 AAC) but were unable to break through the Owls defensive talons. When it came to offense, the ‘Runners found success driving runs into right field, but when it came to defense, they could not defend the same area.
“We absolutely did,” coach Vann Stuedeman said in response to whether she made adjustments after the series opening games. “We just have to make a few more and be more consistent.
“When you hit opposite field, you hit behind runners and runners can advance. It’s always good to do that. We’ve gotten some good pieces. We just have to put it all together, and we’ve gotta figure it out.”
By the time infielder Jesiana Mora stepped on the field, freshman pitcher Reagan Stoudt tossed infielder Kiley Channell a ball that she hit out to right field, and utility Destiny Johns singled to first shortly after. Similar to her homer during Friday night’s game, Mora walked into a packed diamond ahead of her home run and earned three RBIs during her first go-around at home plate to kick off the game.
Donning her white jersey, sophomore catcher Kalee Rochinski shone like a bright light amidst the cloudy day when she raced to first after launching a ball to right field. Her RBI single brought home freshman infielder Skylar Rucker, but when pitcher Autumn Courtney stepped out of the pitching circle, she forgot to keep an eye on senior utility Jaylen Prichard. The Liberty native followed Rucker’s lead to third base before stealing home when Courtney had her back turned to third, cutting Florida Atlantic’s lead down to one point at 3-2 — the smallest deficit the Roadrunners had seen all weekend.
Unfortunately, for sophomore pitcher Meredith Schmitt, the bases were loaded in the top of the third when she hit outfielder Bella Foran in the elbow, which pushed utility Ciara Gibson home. Fortunately for Schmitt, she had Rochinski as her catcher.
With only one out, Rochinski had her eye on the ball and every runner who stood atop third base. No. 18 Rochinski leads the conference in catching runners stealing bases. With quick plays from shortstops — junior Katia Reyes, freshman Sabrina Wick and junior Madison Hornback — Rochinski retired three Owls on their way home.
“She’s doing a very good job. She’s a really good catcher,” Stuedeman said of Rochinski. “People don’t want to steal on her because she’s got a great arm, and we’ve got a great shortstop out there to complete the play, so it’s tough for people to run against her.”
However, the Owls foiled the ‘Runners’ momentum when Johns singled down right field, a deadly area for both teams, and brought home outfielder Kylie Hammonds and outfielder Bella Foran. Infielder Kiley Channell and Johns later moved through home to earn five runs in the third.
Rochinski and Reyes led with one hit each, with Rochinski earning the team’s lone RBI. Rucker and Prichard scored UTSA’s two runs. With today’s loss, the Roadrunners carry an even win/loss home record at 11-11, and the ‘Runners have yet to break through last year’s win record of 15 games.
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