SAN MARCOS, Texas — The UTSA softball team wrapped up Day One of the 2024 season on Thursday, as they fell to host-school Texas State, 2-1, before suffering an 8-2 setback at the hands of Northwestern State at the Texas State Tournament inside the Bobcat Softball Field on Thursday,
The Roadrunners (0-2, 0-0 The American) saw RBIs from senior Taylor Jensen and junior Camryn Robillard, as Jensen knocked in a pair of runs, and Robillard launched the team's first home run. Additionally, several student-athletes made their UTSA debuts, including junior Jaylen Prichard and sophomore Madi Hays, as well as freshmen Emily Johnson, Kalee Rochinski, Iliana Saucedo, and Haley Carmona.
Game One at Texas State
The Roadrunners fell in the season opener, suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Texas State. Senior Kenzi Schultz (0-1) was pegged with the loss, while Madison Azua (1-0) picked up the win for the Bobcats.
UTSA wasted no time getting on the board in the top of the first, as Prichard singled before coming around and scoring on a double by Jensen. The Bobcats threatened in the bottom of the frame, putting ducks on the pond before Prichard saved a pair of runs with a sensational snag at second base.
Kat Zarate launched a solo shot in the bottom of the second, knotting things up 1-1, ahead of a 2-1 TXST lead that came courtesy of an RBI double in the third.
Senior Jamie Gilbert entered the contest and kept UTSA in the fight, striking out one without surrendering a hit across the final three frames. The Roadrunner offense, however, couldn't find a spark down the stretch as the Bobcats cemented a 2-1 victory.
Game Two vs Northwestern State
UTSA could not overcome Northwestern State in the day's second game, falling 8-2. Sophomore Reagan Smith (0-1) was tagged with the loss, and Maggie Darr (1-0) earned the win for NSU.
The Demons found success early, loading up the bases with no outs in the bottom of the first. Saucedo was called upon to make her collegiate debut and limited the damage, allowing only two runs and recording a strikeout.
NSU multiplied its lead in the bottom of the third, sparking a two-out rally that allowed back-to-back doubles to deliver a 4-0 edge.
UTSA threatened in the top of the fourth, as senior Erykah Guerrero singled, and sophomore Caton Letbetter recorded a pinch-run stolen base to move into scoring position. The Demons then used a strikeout and groundout to escape the inning unscathed.
Carmona took over for Saucedo in the fourth, as Saucedo's day was over after allowing two hits across three innings of work. NSU tacked one more onto their lead in the frame, permitting them to carry a 5-0 advantage into the fourth.
The Roadrunners kept battling in the top of the fifth when Robillard smashed a solo home run over the wall in left-center, putting UTSA on the scoreboard. The Demons quickly replied, and a two-run blast saw a 7-1 score line entering the sixth.
Prichard walked, and Guerrero singled to open the top of the sixth, ahead of a base knock by Jensen that plated a run. A strikeout, a sac-bunt, and a walk later juiced the bases with two outs, but the Demons preserved working a strikeout to conclude the half-inning.
NSU scored once more in the bottom of the sixth en route to an 8-2 final score.
On Friday, UTSA will be back at the Bobcat Softball Field for Day Two of the Texas State Tournament. The schedule includes a 2:30 p.m. matchup with Southern Illinois and a 7 p.m. contest against Kennesaw State. The event will conclude on Saturday, when the Roadrunners meet Creighton, with first pitch slated for 7 p.m.
Keep up with UTSA Softball all season long on goutsa.com, and by following the program on Facebook at /UTSASB, X (Twitter) @UTSASoftball, and on Instagram @utsasoftball.
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