SAN ANTONIO – The UTSA Roadrunners softball team (8-39, 3-18 C-USA) struggled to battle back after an early Florida Atlantic (31-18, 13-9 C-USA) surge in Friday's series opener at Roadrunner Field, leading to a 10-5 loss to open up Senior Weekend for the Roadrunners.
FAU came out swinging in the top of the first, literally. The Owls created quick problems for Marena Estell, opening up with three consecutive singles. FAU jumped out to a three-run lead via runners scoring on a hit batter, passed ball and a sacrifice fly.
However, in the home half it was Estell that shaved one off the FAU scoring advantage, plating Kat Ibarra with her fourth sac fly of the year. Ibarra led off with her 13th double this season and moved over on a Ciarra Mata sac bunt.
FAU came roaring back in the second inning, scoring six in a surge capped by a Riley Ennis grand slam. UTSA quickly went to the bullpen for support from Reagan Smith, who got two quick outs to get the Roadrunners out of it. Making a strong relief appearance, Smith proceeded to freeze out the Owls for the next four innings, allowing just a single hit in that span.
In the meantime, the Roadrunners clawed their way back into contention. Ibarra got UTSA moving again, smacking her fourth home run of the year out to left center for a solo shot in the third. After Taylor Jensen and Erykah Guerrero opened up the fourth with singles, pinch hitter Lilly Hood cashed them in on a three-run bomb to right field – slicing the FAU advantage down to 9-5.
The Owls managed to finally get over on Smith in the top of the seventh, adding an insurance run on a Sara Berthiaume RBI single.
The starter for FAU, Lynn Gardner (9-7) gave up some scores but walked away with the win, tossing 4.0 innings after allowing five runs on six hits – recording six strikeouts. Ainsley Lambert (3) picked up a three-inning save. Taking the loss, Estell (3-11) went 1.1 innings before handing off. Smith went 5.2 innings with just two hits and no earned runs, striking out two Owls.
At the plate, Ibarra went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI – notching her 15th multi-hit game this year. Jensen also logged a 2-for-3 performance, scoring once.
The Roadrunners and Owls will return to action on Saturday afternoon at Roadrunner Field, taking on the second game of the series at 1:00 p.m. Sunday will be the season finale and Senior Day for Estell and Mata following the final game of the series.
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