April 22, 2006
EL PASO, Texas - Breanne Javier was 3-for-7 with two RBI and two runs scored as the UCF softball team split with UTEP in Conference USA action at Helen of Troy Softball Field Saturday evening. The Golden Knights are 18-32 on the season and 3-17 in C-USA, while the Miners are 21-28 and 6-10.
Lindsay Dean also had two RBI, while Ashley Van Ryn had two runs.
Game One: The Golden Knights jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first when Dean singled to center field, scoring Javier from second.
UCF doubled their score in the fourth inning. Van Ryn and Michelle Newton hit back-to-back singles to left field and then pulled off a double steal. Cici Alvarez slapped a single into center field, scoring Van Ryn from third to make the score 2-0.
The Golden Knights put a three-spot on the board in the top of the sixth after loading the bases on three consecutive walks with two outs. Alvarez stepped to the plate and slapped the ball to the UTEP second baseman who bobbled it long enough for her to beat the throw, allowing Kacie Feaster to score from third. Javier then hit a single to left field, scoring Van Ryn and Newton.
UTEP scored their lone run in the bottom of the sixth after Meghan Stone was issued a walk with the bases full of Miners.
Allison Kime pitched the complete game for UCF, giving up one run on six hits with 12 strikeouts. The Miners used three different pitchers in seven innings, with Meagan Teal getting the loss. Teal pitched five innings, giving up four runs on four hits with four strikeouts.
Javier led UCF's offensive attack, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored.
Game Two: The Golden Knights scored one run in the first when Dean doubled to right center, scoring Javier from second.
The Miners responded with two runs in the home half of the first. Amber Bennett led off the inning with a home run over the fence in center field. Kelly Lombard doubled through the left side and then scored two batters later when Simone Holland hit a sacrifice fly to center field.
UCF evened the score at two apiece in the second when Cat Snapp led off with a walk. Snapp stole second and advanced to third on a Feaster sacrifice bunt. Two batters later, Newton was hit by a pitch to give the Golden Knights runners at first and third. Snapp scored on a double steal after the Miners threw down to second in an attempt to get Newton.
UTEP regained the lead in the home half of the second. With two outs, Megan Barber singled to left field and then scored on a Bennett double to center field to make the score 3-2 in favor of the Miners.
The Miners added two more in the fifth after Lombard singled up the middle and then scored when DeAnna Camacho hit a home run.
Megan Barber earned the win in game two, pitching the complete game and giving up two runs on four hits with three strikeouts. Magon Paul fell to 2-7 on the season, going six innings and giving up five runs on nine hits with three strikeouts.
The Golden Knights and the Miners return to Helen of Troy Field Sunday for the final game of the series. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. ET. UCF returns home on May 2 to host Florida State in a mid-week doubleheader. Tickets for all home games are available at the gate, $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and children 5-17.