Final Stats

By Michael Eldridge | @DFWSportsMike

LUBBOCK, Texas - UT Arlington's offense took a few innings to kick in during the opening day of the Texas Tech Invitational, but settled in to complete a Friday sweep at Rocky Johnson Field.

Senior Meagan Michele helped lead the offense with seven RBI, three hits and a home run. The Mavericks (13-8) scored 20 runs on the day in beating Utah Valley and run-ruling UT Martin for the second time this season. UTA improved to 8-1 on the season during a tournament's first day.

"The girls came out and competed well," UT Arlington coach Kristie Fox said. "Both (Sam Montes) and (Taylor Simmonds) did a good job in the circle. They both threw strikes and competed, and that really fired the whole team up."

Montes and Simmonds each picked up wins on the day as the pitching staff combined for seven strikeouts. Kayla Donaldson pitched the opener and struck out three.

The Mavericks continue action in the tournament on Saturday when they face the same pair again. UTA opened against UT Martin at 11 a.m. and take on Utah Valley at 1:30 p.m.

Game 1: UT Arlington 8, Utah Valley 4

For the second time this season, UT Arlington needed a comeback after giving up a big inning to its opponent.

The Wolverines pushed four runs across the plate in the fourth before UTA responded by scoring eight runs over three innings.

Haley Henson had a team-high two hits in the game, while Michele provided three RBI. Montes led the pitching staff to improve to 4-5 on the season after replacing Donaldson after the third. Donaldson struck out three in her start, giving up four earned runs on six hits.

Utah Valley was able to break open the game after the teams went scoreless through the first two frames. The Wolverines scored four runs on three hits, but left two on base.

UTA took advantage of UVU miscues in the bottom half to pick up its first run. Michele drew a walk with the bases loaded and Henson was able to drive in another on two outs with a single down the line.

The Mavericks pulled into the lead with three runs in the fourth. Sandra Mendoza scored as Mya Anderson grounded out. UTA took the lead on a single by Michele that scored Nina Villanueva and Britnea Barilli.

The lead was extended to 8-4 in the fifth with a two-out rally. Henson came in to score on a wild pitch and Barilli and Mendoza crossed the plate once again, this time on a single by Villanueva.

The Wolverines had just one hit over the final two innings as UTA ended a three-game losing streak.

Game 2: UT Arlington 12, UT Martin 2

Facing the Skyhawks for a second time this season, the Mavericks completed their second run-rule of UT Martin.

The Mavs defeated UTM 8-0 on Feb. 20 and continued the trend Friday. Michele continued her offensive outburst with a 2-for-4 effort from the plate, providing four RBI and crossing the plate twice, including one homer. Sophomore Shelbi Sikes was a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs.

UTA gave its pitching staff the offense it needed in the opening inning as the Mavs crossed six in the top half of the first. Michele singled to right for her first two RBI, advancing to second on an error while another run crossed the plate. Michele scored in the next at-bat from a single by Henson.

Mendoza completed the inning with a single through the right side of the infield to bring home Henson and Rebecca Stokes with two outs.

Michele kept it going for the Mavs in the next inning with a two-run homer to help th UTA to an early 8-0 lead.

The Skyhawks provided their first answer in the fourth by scoring two runs with two outs on a double that bounced off the left-centerfield wall.

However, UTA put the game away in the top of the fifth with four runs. Villanueva singled up the middle to start the scoring to bring home Marisa Datko. Barilli was able to score in the next at-bat on a passed ball. Sikes finished the damage with a double to score two.

UT Martin threatened in the fifth, but UTA's third double play of the day ended the game.