EL PASO — Sam Houston fought until the bitter end only to fall 10-8 to UTEP in extra innings at Helen of Troy Softball Complex on Saturday.
The Bearkats trailed 8-2 and seemed destine for a second straight loss in the three-game Conference USA series heading into the seventh inning on Saturday.
Ellie Grill got the rally started with a walk and moved into scoring position on a single by
Tricia Yarotsky.
Julia Herzinger made it a five-run game with an RBI single, and
Brodie Quinlan walked to lead the bases.
Jenny Robison drew an RBI walk, and
Haleigh Carter really made the Miners start sweating with a two-run double to right to cut it to 8-6.
Hannah Scheaffer was able to tie the game, making it eight unanswered runs by Sam Houston (15-25, 4-13), with a two-run double to left field to force extra innings.
The Miners were able to get a runner on in the eighth and a two-run home run sealed the win for UTEP.
The game turned in the Bearkats' favor after some misfortune early.
Sam Houston was poised to take an early lead when Hebel lead off the game with a walk. Grill followed with a single and a sacrifice bunt advanced the runners.
The next two batters couldn't get the ball out of the infield as UTEP was able to keep the Kats off the board.
The Miners were in the exact same position in the bottom of the first. This time UTEP was able to get the big hit, a three-run home run along with an RBI walk, to grab the lead
A solo home run the second increased the Miners' advantage to 5-0.
Hebel drew another walk with an out in the third, and Grill laced a single to left field for another scoring chance. A fielder's choice and a groundout ended the inning.
UTEP put the game out of reach with a two-run blast and a solo shot in the fourth to make it 8-0.
Sam Houston ended an 11-inning scoreless drought when
Jordan Peno smacked a double in the fifth. Hebel followed with a two-run home run to cut the lead to six.
The two teams will play the finale Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.
