EL PASO, Texas - The UC Santa Barbara Softball team (5-1) swept their doubleheader against the UTEP Miners (2-2) en route to earning their fourth and fifth straight win. The Gauchos made big plays in big situations in game one to pull out a 10-9 victory and in game two utilized a nine-run fourth inning to propel them to victory.
FROM HEAD COACH JO EVANS
"We learned a lot about ourselves this weekend," said Evans. "Our ball club consistently showed grit, resiliency, the ability to make big plays in high pressure situations. After being shutout in game one on this trip, our offense dominated in the remaining five games. We did a good job executing our game plan and I'm pleased with the way we competed. All five pitchers on our staff saw action and they all contributed to our success."
GAME ONE: GAUCHOS 10, MINERS 9
In the first inning, UC Santa Barbara started strong with Jazzy Santos reaching base on a single and later scoring on a triple by Giselle Mejia. Mejia's hit drove in two runs, and Delaina Ma'ae's sacrifice fly brought Mejia home, resulting in three runs for the Gauchos and an early lead.
In the third inning, Ainsley Waddell extended Santa Barbara's lead with a solo home run to center field, making it 4-1. This added to Waddell's productive game as she previously reached on an error and later scored.
The fourth inning saw the Gauchos continue to put pressure on the Miners when Bella Fuentes hit a two-run homer, scoring Alexa Sams. This extended UC Santa Barbara's lead to 6-3.
In the sixth inning, the Gauchos added three more runs to their tally. Lucy Mogan, who pinch ran for Ma'ae, scored on a wild pitch, and a two-run homer by Emily Carr further extended the lead. This offensive surge brought the Gauchos total to 10 runs.
UC Santa Barbara ended the game with a final score of 10-9, securing their fourth straight win.
GAME TWO: GAUCHOS 12, MINERS 1
In the third inning, UC Santa Barbara managed to get on the scoreboard when Santos, after being hit by a pitch, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Erin Mendoza. Waddell's walk set the stage for Fuentes, who delivered a single to center field, bringing Santos home and tying the game at 1-1.
The fourth inning was pivotal for the Gauchos, as they scored nine runs. The inning began with Katie Terrazas pinch running for Daryn Siegel and reaching third base on Elicia Acosta's double. The bases loaded after Kaylin Garcia was hit by a pitch, and Santos walked, allowing Terrazas to score. Mendoza followed with another hit by pitch, bringing Acosta in. Waddell then singled to center field, driving in two more runs. Sams continued the offensive surge with a double that scored Waddell and Mendoza. The inning closed with UC Santa Barbara leading 10-1.
In the fifth inning, Santa Barbara extended their lead with a two-run homer by Mogan, who had pinch-hit for Carr. This brought the score to 12-1 in favor of the Blue and Gold, solidifying their control over the game.
UP NEXT
UC Santa Barbara returns to the Golden State and will travel north to Fresno next weekend to take part in the Fresno State Kickoff Classic. The Gauchos will start the event on Friday, Feb. 14 when they take on the Utah Utes at 12:30 p.m.
