Final Stats

By Michael Eldridge | @DFWSportsMike

ARLINGTON, Texas - UT Arlington was able to snap a five-game skid after defeating Lamar 4-2 on Wednesday at Allan Saxe Field.

The Mavericks (15-14) were helped along by a strong start from Sam Montes. The sophomore pitched her fifth complete game of the season and improved to 6-8 after allowing just two earned runs. The offense backed her up with six hits, including two home runs.

"The girls came out with a lot of energy today," UT Arlington coach Kristie Fox said. "We really focused on that. They get to play a game for their career, and to get back to that mindset and just enjoy it. They really did a good job of staying focused and keeping each other up."

A day after UTA was unable to hold a lead against Abilene Christian, Montes was able to produce a much needed quality start. She struck out one, didn't issue a walk and allowed just five hits. Fox said her pitcher's ability to pitch clean innings was a big reason UTA was able to bounce back from Tuesday night's loss.

"Sam has been doing a great job," Fox said. "Her record doesn't even reflect the kind of pitching that she has done for us this year. She loves to have the ball and she loves to compete. She really set the tone in the first couple of innings."

Senior Meagan Michele provided a jolt for the offense. The UTA third baseman went 2-for-3 from the plate with a homer and triple. Michele scored two runs as well as provided two RBI. Malory Foster came up big in just her second start of the season. Foster's leadoff homer in the sixth gave UTA a 4-1 lead.

"We just came out really aggressive and really wanting to change the pace to be ready for this weekend," Michele said. "It is tough coming back from any streak, but we are just learning from it. We are just playing to win. It is huge for the hitters."

Michele's triple in the first scored UTA's first run, bringing home Sandra Mendoza. Shelbi Sikes followed it up with a single up the middle on the first pitch she saw to score Michele.

The Mavs made it a 3-0 advantage in the third with Michele's seventh homer of the season, a line drive over the left-field wall. Foster's shot to center in the sixth capped scoring for UTA.

Lamar attempted to make a two-out rally in the seventh, scoring a run after back-to-back hits. However, the bid fell short with a fly out to left to end the game.

NOTES: UTA softball is 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. ... UTA went to 1-1 in midweek contests. ... UTA's game against Lamar was added to the schedule after previous weather cancellations left openings in the schedule. The Mavs also added a doubleheader against Central Arkansas on April 8.