SAN ANTONIO – Coming off a league-opening series victory over UTEP during the first weekend of Conference USA games, the UTSA softball team (6-18) will head north for midweek action at Tarleton State (14-13) on Tuesday evening in the first meeting between these programs. The Roadrunners and Texans face off at 6:00 p.m. in Stephenville, with a broadcast scheduled for ESPN+.
About UTSA
UTSA is coming off a quality opening weekend in conference play, winning the series against UTEP at home and racking up both hits and runs in their two victories over the Miners. Sunday's finale was about as close as could be – coming down to bases loaded with two outs and a full count in the bottom of the seventh before UTEP's center fielder made a highlight play to end the game in a Miners win.
That third game versus UTEP marked the eighth loss this season decided by a single run, while five others were only a two-run margin – though the Roadrunners are behind on the record, just a few plays the other way could easily have the record inverted.
UTSA averages 7.1 hits per game for a 4.8 run average and .261 hitting while facing some very capable pitching units across the non-conference schedule. Over the weekend, the Roadrunners hit .321 and scored 23 runs against the Miners. UTSA ranks fourth in Conference USA in home runs (18), fifth in doubles (31) and tops the league in walks (119) for a .375 on-base percentage.
Shortstop Kat Ibarra has remained constant for the Roadrunners and the past weekend was no exception. Ibarra hit .455 against the Miners and accounted for six (6) RBI and three (3) runs, highlighted by a 3-for-5, four-RBI performance in the series opener. On the year, Ibarra is batting .366 with team highs of 19 runs, eight (8) doubles, two (2) triples and 15 walks, while batting in 10 runs and reaching base at a .464 clip.
Utility Marena Estell also hit heavy over the weekend, notching a .714 hitting performance that produced three (3) RBI and one run, adding to her .360 season average. Estell holds the team lead in RBI at 16, scoring eight (8) runs and earning a .433 on-base percentage. Emily Dear and Taylor Jensen are also putting up .385 and .304 hitting numbers, respectively. Erykah Guerrero paces the squad with four (4) home runs.
About the Tarleton Texans
Despite being relative newcomers to NCAA Division I, reclassifying in 2021, the Texans had a successful transition and went 30-25 last season in their second season in the WAC. This season, the Texans are sitting at 14-13 after dropping the series to Houston at home, 1-2, over the weekend. After a hot start, Tarleton has fallen in six of its last eight.
Tarleton is batting .275 as a team and averages 6.8 hits and 3.8 runs per outing. The pitching staff holds an ERA at 4.57 and allows averages of 6.9 hits and 3.4 runs per game. Designated player Germain Austin tops the Texans with 20 runs on a team-best .426 average, racking up 10 doubles, 18 walks and 12 RBI. Third baseman Katy Schaefer is hitting .377 while sharing the team high of 29 hits with center fielder Kelci Hill. Schaefer has recorded 17 RBI with seven (7) runs. Hill has a team-leading 19 RBI to go with 14 runs.
For the Texans, head coach Mark Cumpian is in his seventh season and has a record of 205-126 (.619).
How to watch UTSA at Tarleton
Tuesday, March 14: 6:00 p.m.
Broadcast Stream: ESPN+ ($)
Live Stats: Tarleton
Up Next
After a single-night meeting with the Texans, UTSA will spend the weekend in Denton for its second Conference USA series, at defending league champion North Texas (14-9). The UNT Mean Green will host Texas A&M-Commerce for a Tuesday doubleheader before welcoming the Roadrunners to Lovelace Stadium for the three-game set.
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