9/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By Brooke Ortale | UTAMavs.com
ARLINGTON, Texas - The future looks bright for UT Arlington softball as its underclassmen showcased their offensive prowess in the first fall game of the season against Vernon College Thursday at Allan Saxe Field.
"I'm impressed with how the newcomers came out and didn't have those early jitters going," UT Arlington head coach Kristie Fox said. "Overall, it was a good day and it put us in a position where we know what we need to work on moving forward."
Fourteen underclassmen made an appearance in the game, with nine donning the blue and orange for the first time. Freshman Whitney Walton led the way for a freshman class that combined for 14 hits as she went 3-for-4 with four runs and three RBI in the 10-inning scrimmage.
"I was super excited to be able to play someone besides ourselves," Walton said. "We did really well playing together for the first time and have a lot to build on."
The upperclassmen were not outdone with seniors Mallory Foster and Marisa Datko going 2-for-4 with two RBI and 2-for-3 with four RBI, respectively. Seven Mavericks recorded multi-hit games, while nine drove in at least one run.
Not only was the offense clicking for the Mavs, but they were clean on the defensive side of the ball as well.
"Defensively, the girls played really strong," Fox said. "A lot of people were getting different opportunities. They played clean."
The pitching staff was dominant on the mound, combining to strikeout 14 in their 10 innings of work. Sophomore Sam Clakley got the start, giving up two hits and striking out six. Freshman Mariah Denson and junior transfer Gracie Bogle took the mound for the first time as Mavericks and combined for five strikeouts, while only giving up one hit in five innings of work. Senior Sam Montes closed the door allowing only one hit with three strikeouts in the final two frames.
"Our pitching staff did a great job only giving up four hits and only one actually left the infield," Fox said. "That was pretty impressive. On top of that, there were very few free bases, only two in 10 innings."
