EL PASO, Texas – Behind a perfect day at the plate from Aaliyah Betancourt, UTEP softball closed out its home slate with a 6-5 victory over Missouri State in the series finale Sunday morning at Helen of Troy Field. Betancourt went 3-for-3 with an RBI, sparking a late-inning rally that helped the Miners secure the win in their home finale on Senior Weekend.
UTEP improves to 12-34 overall and 4-20 in Conference USA play, while Missouri State drops to 20-27 (8-16 CUSA).
The Miners struck first with a three-run opening frame. Brantley Lavas delivered a two-RBI single to right field, bringing in Paige Lassiter and Iliana Munoz, while Halle Hogan later stole home to extend the lead to 3-0.
Missouri State responded with a four-run second inning, using a combination of RBI plays and a sacrifice fly to take a 4-3 advantage.
UTEP stayed within striking distance before breaking through in the sixth. Aaliyah Betancourt tied the game at 4-4 with an RBI single to left, scoring Cece Marquez. Moments later, Marissa Burchard delivered the decisive blow—a two-run home run to left center—to give the Miners a 6-4 lead.
The Bears made things interesting in the seventh with a solo home run, but UTEP held on to secure the 6-5 victory.
UTEP outhit Missouri State, 9-6, in the contest. Burchard's lone hit proved to be the difference, as her go-ahead two-run homer sealed the win. Betancourt paced the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, recording singles in the second, fourth and sixth innings, including the game-tying RBI.
Munoz finished 2-for-4 with a double, while Lavas drove in two runs in her 1-for-2 outing. Marquez added a double, going 1-for-2, and both Hogan and Lavas drew walks.
In the circle, Tatyana Vega tossed a complete game (7.0 innings), allowing five runs while striking out four to earn her ninth win of the season (9-13).
On Deck
UTEP will close out the regular season on the road, traveling to Ruston, Louisiana, for a three-game Conference USA series against LA Tech from May 1–3.
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