March 17, 2015 Final Stats
By Michael Eldridge | @DFWSportsMike
ARLINGTON, Texas - UT Arlington opened its five-game homestand on the short end, falling to Abilene Christian 7-6 on Tuesday at Allan Saxe Field.
The Mavericks (14-14) went to .500 for the first time this season after dropping their fifth consecutive game. UTA had its opportunities in the seventh, but were unable to cash them in after stranding the tying run on second to close the game.
"ACU came to play," UT Arlington coach Kristie Fox said. "They made all the plays and we didn't, and they showed up and were ready to go. That is the difference between wins and losses."
The Mavs continue the stand against Lamar on Wednesday at 5 p.m. before their Sun Belt Conference home opener on Saturday against Georgia Southern.
Sandra Mendoza and Rebecca Stokes each had a pair of hits to lead the Mavericks. Stokes provided two RBI, while Mendoza added a run. UTA starter Sam Montes pitched 6.0 innings overall, re-entering the game after departing in the fourth. The Wildcats dropped Kayla Donaldson to 5-6 after the freshman gave up four earned runs, all coming in the fourth frame.
UTA's offense appeared to find its stride out of the gate. Britnea Barilli's RBI double in the second at-bat of the game opened up scoring. Stokes adding to the scoring with a single up the middle. The throw from center bounced off the helmet of Shelbi Sikes at the plate to allow another run and gave UTA a 4-0 lead.
The Wildcats answered with a run in the second before Kacey Everett responded for the Mavs. She took a 1-1 pitch over the left field wall for her third homer of the season.
The Mavericks offense went silent, as the Wildcats scored five unanswered over the third and fourth innings to take a 6-5 lead.
ACU padded its advantage with a run in the sixth. Everett nearly had her second leadoff homer of the game in the bottom half, but the ball fell into the glove of the centerfielder at the wall.
The Mavs pulled within a run in the seventh on a RBI single from Mya Anderson. She was left at second as a flyout to right ended the game.
NOTES: UTA softball will be re-dedicating Allan Saxe Field and the new clubhouse on Saturday prior to Game 1 of its series vs. Georgia Southern. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ... The Mavs' game against the Wildcats was the first midweek contest for UTA this season. ... UTA's game against Lamar was added after previous weather cancellations left openings in the schedule. The Mavs also added a doubleheader against Central Arkansas on April 8.
TICKETS: Tickets to all home games at Allan Saxe Field are available at UTATickets.com and 817-272-9595. Parking is free for all games at Allan Saxe Field.
UTA Diamond Club: The UTA Softball Diamond Club was created to promote the program, as well as the new stadium, and provide the best experience for fans. Membership in Diamond Club is $100 and includes a season ticket for all UTA home games, a commemorative t-shirt, a seat cushion and access to reserved seating. For more information visit UTATickets.com.
