BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – UTEP softball dropped Friday's doubleheader at Western Kentucky at the WKU Softball Complex, falling 9-0 in six innings in game one and 7-1 in game two.
The Miners move to 11-29 overall and 3-17 in Conference USA play, while the Hilltoppers improve to 32-10 (14-6 CUSA).
Game 1 WKU 9, UTEP 0 (6 inn.)
Western Kentucky struck early with a three-run first inning and never looked back, adding insurance runs in the second, fourth and sixth to secure the 9-0 run-rule victory.
UTEP was limited to two hits in the contest, with Aaliyah Betancourt and Cece Marquez accounting for the Miners' offense. Iliana Munoz, Betancourt and Lynne Sepulveda each drew walks.
Tatyana Vega earned the start in the circle and was charged with the loss, moving to 8-12 on the season. She tossed 5.1 innings with one strikeout.
Game 2 WKU 7, UTEP 1
The Hilltoppers capitalized on early opportunities once again, plating four unearned runs in the first inning and extending the lead to 7-0 by the third.
UTEP broke through in the top of the fourth when Kenna Carranza launched a solo home run to left center, accounting for the Miners' lone run of the game.
The Miners recorded three hits in game two, coming from Brantley Lavas, Cece Marquez (double) and Carranza. Lavas and Ari Leon each worked walks.
Arianna Flores took the loss in the start, falling to 2-8 after tossing 1.0 inning. Ryann Presswood provided 2.0 innings of relief with one strikeout, while Hannah Jones closed the game with 3.0 strong innings, allowing just one hit with no runs and one strikeout.
On Deck
The series finale remains scheduled for Sunday with an 11 a.m. (MT) first pitch. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
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