UTEP Softball Triumphs Over Liberty 4-3 on Senior Day, Secures Conference USA Tournament Berth 

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The UTEP softball team secured a thrilling victory on Sunday afternoon at Helen of Troy Field, defeating Liberty 4-3 in a nail-biting series finale. UTEP's Ajia Richard stunned with a game-tying triple, setting the stage for Marijn Crouwel's heroic walk-off single, propelling UTEP to their first Conference USA Tournament berth since 2019. 

The Miners improve to 24-17 (10-11 CUSA) while the Flames drop to 31-19 (19-5 CUSA). 

Liberty struck first in the top of the first inning, as Megan Fortner's double to center field brought Brynn McManus home, setting an early tone.  

UTEP responded in the bottom of the third, with Ajia Richard's sharp single to center field, bringing Lexi Morales across the plate.  

Liberty continued to apply pressure with another RBI-double by Fortner in the fifth. Richard's double to left center field brought Autumn Scott home, keeping the Miners in contention.  

With the game tied, 2-2, in the seventh inning, tensions ran high. Liberty's McManus's sacrifice fly brought Mary Claire Wilson home, putting them ahead. But UTEP wasn't finished yet. In a dramatic bottom of the seventh inning, Morales drew a walk and Richard's triple to right field electrified Helen of Troy Field, tying the game once again. Then, Marijn Crouwel's decisive single to shortstop brought Richard sprinting home, sealing the walk-off win for UTEP in an unforgettable finish. Behind this thrilling victory was UTEP pitcher Faith Aragon, who threw her fifth complete game of the season and earned her 12th win. 

Notables 

• The Miners secured 10 wins in conference play, marking their first double-digit league victory total since 2019 (10-14). 
• UTEP's individual season records feature Ajia Richard, who notched an impressive 40 RBIs, placing her tied for 6th in the program's history.
• Meanwhile, Faith Aragon secured her 12th win of the season, positioning her tied for 3rd for the most wins in a single season at UTEP. This achievement matches Stacie Townsend's record from 2008 (12-12).

ON DECK     
The will face Western Kentucky in a three-game series from May 4-6 in Bowling Green, KY, marking the final series of the regular season.