May 16, 2003
GAINESVILLE, Florida...A two run first inning was all the Lady Mavericks of The University of Texas at Arlington needed as they defeated the Florida Gators 2-0 at the Division I Softball Regional Friday afternoon. UTA remains in the winners bracket and will match up against the only other unbeaten squad in the regional, Oklahoma, Saturday at 2:00 CDT. The Lady Mavs improved to 41-15 overall while the Gators fell to 41-24.
Texas-Arlington took an early lead as it plated two runs in the home half of the first inning. Falon Kwasnick led off the frame with a walk and advanced to second as the Gators shortstop misplayed a ball hit by Melanie Williams. With runners on first and second, Beverly Rowan grounded to second but Florida failed in the double play attempt, only recording Williams out at second. Rowan recorded her sixth stolen base of the year before Autumn Petrino hit a double to right center to plate both UTA runners and give the Lady Mavs a 2-0 advantage.
The Gators outhit the Lady Mavs, 7-4, but solid defense and timely pitching from starter Katy Cox helped UTA escape when Florida threatened. Cox tossed her 14th shutout of the season, striking out seven and walking three as she improved to 29-6 on the year.
Texas-Arlington returns to action Saturday at 2:00 p.m. CDT when they face off with top seeded Okalahoma. All Lady Maverick regional games can be heard on UTA Radio by clicking on the UTA Radio icon on the front page of the official website of UTA Athletics utamavs.com.
...utamavericks...
