UTEP Softball Can’t Hang With 14 Nebraska

EL PASO – The UTEP softball team fell to 15-15 on the season after being swept in an afternoon doubleheader against Nebraska. The Huskers were ranked 14th in the nation at the start of play.

The Miners dropped the first game 8-0 in a six inning complete game effort by senior pitcher Courtney Auger. Auger struggled through the outing walking seven and giving up eight runs on nine hits and only striking out three. She held the Huskers to only three runs throughout the first five innings but the Huskers bats came alive in the sixth inning as they scored five runs on two home runs.

Nebraska’s Ashley Hagemann recorded her 18th win on the season holding the Miners to only two hits and two walks while striking out 12 batters.

In the second game of the doubleheader UTEP lost 16-0 in five innings. The Huskers recorded their 16 runs on 15 hits. Megan Atchison (3-4) started the game for the Miners but only pitched 2.1 innings after giving up seven runs on five hits. Joanna Krienitz took over, pitching 1.2 innings and surrendering six runs on six hits. Nebraska bats continued to roll as they ripped three home runs in the fifth inning against freshman Laura Ramos who took over in the circle for Krienitz.

Tatum Edwards pitched four innings for the Huskers and picked up the win giving up just four hits and walking only one.

UTEP will look to rebound this weekend as they resume conference play against Memphis at the Helen of Troy Softball Complex on March 26.