Feb. 7, 2014
By Michael Eldridge | UTAMavs.com
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ST. GEORGE, Utah - The UT Arlington softball team opened up the 2014 season by splitting its first two games of the Red Desert Classic at the Canyons Softball Complex on Friday.
"The team did well overall," UT Arlington coach Kristie Fox said. "I think they really showed their composure and didn't quit. I am looking for them to come out with some more energy tomorrow."
The Mavs split starting duties in the circle with Callie Collins opening Game 1 and Shannon Carrico starting Game 2.
"Collins and Carrico did a really good job today," Kristie said. "They just need to know that when we get runs on the board for them, they need to come out and get a shutout the next inning so that we can continue to build on that."
Game 1 - UT Arlington 3, Weber State 1 (Final Stats)
Meagan Michele's two-run double in the eighth inning pushed the Mavericks passed Weber State, 3-1, in extra innings to open up the season.
The Mavericks, winning their third consecutive season opener, picked up three runs overall in the frame. Britnea Barilli added a single up the middle to follow Michele's go-ahead hit to score Michele from second.
Collins, the lone senior on UTA's roster, pitched seven innings without allowing a run before Weber State scored on a single in the bottom of the eighth. Collins pitched eight innings, struck out five strikeouts, and allowed four hits without giving up a free base.
Game 2 - Idaho State 5, UT Arlington 4 (Final Stats)
Idaho State scored a run in each of the final three innings, including a home run in the seventh that proved the difference.
The Mavericks opened with two runs on a double by Kacey Everett to the right-center field wall in the second. Idaho State answered back with a pair of runs in the top of the third.
UTA regained the lead (4-2) in the fourth on a two-run double from Nina Villanueva. She finished the game with two hits.
Carrico pitched 5 1/3 innings in her Maverick debut. Carrico struck out one, allowed eight hits, four runs (three earned), and did not walk a batter.
Collins fell to 1-1 on the season after throwing 1 2/3 innings in relief. Collins struck out two and gave up three hits.
The Mavericks are back in action at noon CT Saturday for the second day of the Red Desert Classic on Saturday. UTA opens with BYU before facing Utah State at 2:30 p.m.
