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By Michael Eldridge | @DFWSportsMike
ARLINGTON, Texas - On a day that marked the grand opening of the UTA Softball Clubhouse, UT Arlington walked off with a sweep of Georgia Southern on Saturday at Allan Saxe Field.
The Mavericks (17-14, 2-3 Sun Belt) won their third consecutive game in a dramatic fashion, taking Game 2 with a walk-off single by senior Nina Villanueva.
"We had great energy today," UT Arlington coach Kristie Fox said. "They were so excited to show up to the ballpark and that is what these facilities do. When you are excited to show up to work every day, you do a good job and they did today."
A strong pitching performance from UTA's starters helped pave the way to taking both games. Sam Montes and Taylor Simmonds combined for 12 strikeouts, as each sat down a season high.
"They both did a great job," Fox said. "They were hitting their spots and mixing their speeds and competing. I think that was the biggest thing. I don't think Taylor didn't knew that she was going to be the pitcher in the second game and I sprung it on her and she was ready to go, and that is what we need all year long."
UTA looks to complete the three-game series sweep on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.
Game 1: UT Arlington 7, Georgia Southern 1
Final Stats
Montes fanned a season-high five batters to improve to 7-8 and helped UT Arlington win its Sun Belt Conference home opener.
The Mavericks picked up hits from eight of their nine starters and had 11 overall. Seniors Meagan Michele and Villanueva were each 2-for-4 to lead UTA, while Mallory Foster produced two RBI and scored a run.
Montes, allowing just an earned run in the contest, gave up two hits through her first six innings and four overall. Georgia Southern produced its first run with a homer in the seventh. Montes finished with her sixth complete game, and second consecutive.
UTA's offense jumped into gear in the first, scoring two runs on three hits. Michele provided the first on a single to center to score Sandra Mendoza. Foster added to the lead with a sacrifice fly to left.
Back-to-back singles started off a three-run third for the Mavericks before errors plagued the Eagles. UTA took advantage of the two miscues and Jolene Schaefer's RBI single to right capped the inning.
Foster and sophomore Kacey Everett each had a RBI hit in the fifth to finish off scoring for the Mavs.
Game 2: UT Arlington 2, Georgia Southern 1
Final Stats
UTA's offense needed six innings before it was able to come alive to finish the doubleheader.
Georgia Southern held a 1-0 lead until the bottom of the sixth when sophomore Shelbi Sikes battled at the plate and was hit on the fifth pitch of the at-bat. Haley Henson tied things up two batters later with a single through the right side to score Sikes.
Mendoza, hitting a blistering .705 (31-44) as a leadoff hitter, opened the seventh with a double to the wall. Britnea Barilli pushed her over with a sac bunt and Villanueva drove Mendoza home for the walk-off win.
"We all just wanted to get it done and not have to go in extra innings," Villanueva said. "The fact that Sandra led off with the double was awesome, and Britnea got the bunt down and I knew I just had to get a base hit to win."
Simmonds (4-0) kept the Mavericks in the game. The UTA starter struck out seven, gave up five hits and did not allow a walk.
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.
