SAN ANTONIO — UTSA softball beat the University of North Dakota 4-0, then fell to New Mexico State University 3-5 on Friday at Roadrunner Field.
Game One
Sophomore pitcher Ava Eldridge commanded five shutout innings in relief, and senior infielder Katia Reyes scored two RBIs as UTSA (7-10) downed North Dakota (9-8). Eldridge came in for junior starting pitcher Madison Collins after two innings and quieted the Hawks’ lineup, allowing no hits through five innings.
UTSA scored its first run when freshman outfielder Demiree Stafford stole third base in the third inning and advanced to home on an error. Reyes buoyed UTSA’s offense with her power at the plate, knocking a ball just over the left field fence to score her first home run of the year and double the Roadrunners’ lead. Reyes doubled to deep right field in the sixth inning, and junior outfielder Taryn Madlock barely beat the throw to score from first base. Senior infielder Madison Hornback scored Reyes from third, ensuring UTSA’s lead by four runs.
“To be able to finally see that ball go over the fence, I felt like I did so much for my team after they did so much for me,” Reyes said after the game.
While Eldridge led the ‘Runners in appearances and innings pitched last season, she had only thrown three innings before Friday’s game.
“She hadn’t been throwing or looking like herself,” coach Vann Stuedeman said after the game. “I thought she looked good this week, and I wanted to see what she was going to do out there in a game, and she did a great job.”
The Roadrunners outhit the Hawks 10-2. UTSA’s batters struck out three times to North Dakota’s one. Reyes led the squad with two RBIs.
Game Two
Trailing 3-0, UTSA rallied in the sixth inning to tie the game, with sophomore infielder Makayla Madrid pinch hitting and driving in the game-tying RBI. The Roadrunners’ comeback was short-lived, as New Mexico State (8-11) infielder Johnna Aragon hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning to cement the victory for the Aggies.
“The fact that we were able to stay in it mentally, and continue to compete, makes it encouraging,” Stuedeman said. “It’s encouraging for where we’re headed.”
Both teams reached base in the first inning, but only New Mexico State was able to capitalize, taking the 1-0 lead on a triple. The Aggies scored one run each in the fourth and fifth innings to increase the advantage to three runs. New Mexico State pitcher Faith Aragon shut down UTSA’s offense in the first five innings, issuing 11 strikeouts to limit UTSA to one hit.
After back-to-back leadoff hits in the sixth inning, junior outfielder Samantha Mundine put the ‘Runners on the board with a double, and senior outfielder Madison Lenton grounded out to score sophomore utility Sabrina Wick and cut the Aggies’ lead to one. Madrid crushed a line drive off the wall to complete the three-run comeback.
“She was chomping at the bit for that at bat,” Stuedeman said. “It’s really fun to see kids do that off the bench. It’s a tough job.”
The ‘Runners were outhit 11-5 by the Aggies. UTSA struck out 13 times compared to five times for New Mexico State. Mundine, Lenton and Madrid each had one RBI.
