HUNTSVILLE – For the first time this season the Sam Houston softball squad claimed a Conference USA series against Middle Tennessee at Bearkat Softball Complex over the weekend. 

The Bearkats (15-24, 4-11 CUSA) began the three-game series with a 3-0 win Friday and opened Saturday with an impressive 7-3 victory on the first contest of a doubleheader. The Kats completed the sweep with a 5-2 win in the finale. 

Sam Houston returns to action Tuesday when the Kats host Houston at 6 p.m. 

Game 1 

Julia Herzinger started the Bearkats off strong with a solo shot over center field in the bottom of the first en route to a 7-3 victory in game one of Saturday's doubleheader. Elia Hebel joined the home run action with a three-run blast to put Sam Houston up 7-1 in the bottom of the fourth.  

That was plenty of support for starting pitcher Mika Vento. She tossed 5 1/3 innings and gave up two runs to improve to 3-8 on the season.  

The Blue Raiders didn't go quietly, loading the bases in the sixth. A classic 6-4-3 double play ended the threat as Sam Houston closed out the win. 

Game 2 

Sam Houston jumped on Middle Tennessee again in game two, building a 4-0 lead through three innings. The Kats finished out the series sweep with a 5-2 victory.  

Tricia Yarotsky pushed the first run across with an RBI double, later hitting a two-run home run in the third inning. Elia Hebel added another run with an RBI double in the bottom of the fourth. 

Amy Abke pitched another complete game with five hits and two runs to improve to 7-5 on the season.