Missouri State softball lost 6-5 to the University of Texas at El Paso in the final game of their series on April 26. The Bears, now holding a record of 20 wins and 27 losses overall and an 8-16 mark in Conference USA play, faced a close contest against UTEP, which entered the game with a record of 12 wins and 34 losses.
The game was marked by back-and-forth scoring. Missouri State began with a leadoff double but failed to score in the first inning. UTEP took an early lead by scoring three runs in the bottom half of the inning using three hits, a walk, and a stolen base.
Missouri State responded quickly in the second inning with four runs. Brynn Romine scored on a fielder’s choice before two bases-loaded walks tied it up at three runs each. Kayla Ulrich then hit a sacrifice fly to give Missouri State its first lead at 4-3.
Both teams went scoreless from innings three through five as Missouri State maintained its one-run advantage. In the sixth inning, UTEP tied the game after recording both a double and single before hitting what became the decisive two-run home run for a 6-4 lead.
Sofia King hit her first home run of the season for Missouri State in their last opportunity during the seventh inning, narrowing UTEP’s lead to one run. However, that would be all for Missouri State as they were unable to complete their comeback attempt.
Elizabeth Bobbitt led Missouri State offensively with two hits out of three at-bats and scored once. Five different players drove in runs for Missouri State during this matchup.
The Bears will finish their regular season at home next weekend when they host New Mexico State from April 30 through May 2. Saturday’s contest will include recognition for Missouri State’s three seniors.
